The Best Selling Gamecube Games
The Nintendo GameCube may not have won the console wars of its generation, but it built a loyal fanbase and a legendary library of games. While the PlayStation 2 and Xbox grabbed headlines, the GameCube delivered some of the most iconic, creative, and downright fun games of the early 2000s.
These are the top 5 best-selling GameCube games of all time, based on total copies sold. From haunted mansions to tropical islands, these titles show just how much magic Nintendo packed into that little purple box.
Top 5 Best-Selling Titles from Nintendo’s Gamecube - the Underdog Console
5. Luigi’s Mansion
3.33 million copies sold
The GameCube launched with a bold move… Luigi, not Mario, took center stage. Luigi’s Mansion was unlike anything we’d seen before. Armed with a ghost-sucking vacuum and a flashlight, Luigi wandered the halls of a creepy (yet charming) haunted mansion to save his missing brother.
Though some were surprised by the short length and lack of a traditional Mario-style platformer at launch, Luigi’s Mansion quickly became a cult classic. Its unique gameplay, spooky vibe, and lovable green hero helped it become one of the system’s standout titles and it kicked off a spooky-fun sub-series that’s still going strong today.
4. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
4.43 million copies sold
At the time of release, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker divided fans with its cel-shaded, cartoon-style graphics. But time has been kind to this bold art direction. Today it’s considered one of the most visually timeless games in the Zelda series.
Set across a massive ocean, Wind Waker gave players the freedom to sail from island to island, uncovering secrets and solving classic Zelda-style puzzles. With memorable characters, emotional story beats, and a beautiful soundtrack, it’s no surprise this one sailed into millions of homes.
3. Super Mario Sunshine
5.91 million copies sold
Super Mario Sunshine might be the quirkiest 3D Mario game ever made. Instead of the Mushroom Kingdom, players found themselves on the sunny Isle Delfino, cleaning up graffiti with the help of FLUDD, a water-powered jetpack.
Some fans were puzzled by the change in setting and tone, but over time, Super Mario Sunshine has gained appreciation for its creativity, challenging platforming, and vibrant tropical aesthetic. It’s also the first game where we met Bowser Jr., and yes, the voice acting is just as weird as you remember.
2. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
6.88 million copies sold
Mario Kart Double Dash!! was Mario Kart like we’d never seen before and haven’t seen since. Each kart held two characters, with one driving and one tossing items. It added a layer of strategy (and chaos) to the racing mayhem and made co-op gameplay a blast.
The character-specific special items, wild track designs, and party-friendly vibe helped make Double Dash a hit. It’s still one of the most beloved entries in the series and a favorite for couch multiplayer.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee
7.41 million copies sold
No surprise here. Super Smash Bros. Melee was the GameCube’s ultimate party game and a competitive fighting game legend. Featuring a stacked roster of Nintendo icons, Melee took the original Smash formula and cranked it up with faster gameplay, more characters, and a ton of unlockable content.
It became a mainstay in tournaments, a staple of college dorms, and a cornerstone of Nintendo’s early 2000s legacy. Even today, Melee is still played competitively around the world. It’s more than just the best-selling GameCube game, it’s a defining piece of Nintendo history.
The Cube’s Top Sellers
The GameCube may not have outsold its rivals, but it created a home for some of Nintendo’s most experimental and memorable titles. These five best-sellers reflect that creativity and charm. Whether you were teaming up in Double Dash, sailing in Wind Waker, or brawling in Melee, the GameCube delivered unforgettable experiences.
