From Smash Bros to Wind Waker, the GameCube is home to many classic Nintendo titles. Naturally, many of these nostalgic titles are now incredibly valuable. But none are as collectible as the top 30 rare GameCube games.
If you enjoy Nintendo titles, you’ll want to check out this list of the most valuable and rare GameCube games. We used real auction data from the past several years to bring you an up-to-date guide. Not only that, we’ve also included an accurate price range and mini synopsis for each title.
Whether you’re a newbie collector or seasoned veteran, we hope this resource helps. And who knows? You may have some hidden gems lying around.
The 30 Rarest GameCube Games
Starting at #30, let’s go down the list and check out the most valuable and rare GameCube games around.
30. Super Mario Sunshine
Price: $35 loose – $240 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure // Platformer | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2002
First on our list of rare GameCube games? Super Mario Sunshine!
Uh-oh! Shadow Mario has kidnapped Princess Peach and vandalized Delfino Island. Suit up and assume control of Mario, then embark on a mission to rescue the princess and shed light on the mysterious situation. Run, jump, and flip around the various stages as you take out Bowser’s minions and complete an array of exciting puzzles. Collect 120 Shine Sprites and victory is yours!
The immersive story, exciting mechanics, and fluid gameplay all work together to make this one of the best GameCube games worth money. If you stumble across a copy, be sure to swipe it up.
29. Luigi’s Mansion
Price: $40 loose – $210 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure // Horror | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2001
Luigi has won a free mansion! It must be a wonderful stroke of luck, right? Step into the Mushroom Kingdom and you’ll soon realize that something is wrong…
The new mansion is haunted and chock-full of ghosts!
Assume control of Luigi as he searches his new home for the devilish beings. Equipped with a special vacuum cleaner known as the Poltergeist 3000, you’ve got to suck ‘em up and get rid of them, full on Ghostbusters style.
Luigi’s Mansion was released to critical acclaim and has proven itself an excellent addition to the Nintendo line of games.
28. Kirby Air Ride
Price: $50 loose – $165 new in box
Genre: Racing | Developer: HAL Laboratory | Release Date: 2003
Take to the streets to compete in the City Trial contest. You’ve got just 5 minutes to find a Star vehicle, collect power ups, and get ready for the grand finale racing contest. Think you’re up for the challenge?
Kirby Air Ride is a simple yet challenging game that provides hours of entertainment. Fill the achievement board to unlock new vehicles and maps, then enter LAN mode to try them out against your friends. It’s a grand ‘ol time that provides hours of entertainment and plenty of laughs.
Although Kirby Air Ride didn’t receive great reviews from critics, it’s adored by fans for it’s whimsical style and playful mechanics. It’s also one of the rarest GameCube games on our list, and a highly sought after title all the way around.
27. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker & Ocarina of Time Master Quest
Price: $50 loose – $745 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2003
Two of the most iconic games in the Zelda series in the same box? What more could you possibly ask for?!
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker & Ocarina of Time Master Quest is a combination set of the original GameCube game alongside a revamped copy of the N64 classic. Enter the land of Hyrule to save Princess Zelda and take down Ganon before it’s too late! Using your magical conductor’s baton or ocarina, only you have the power to save the world. Will you answer the call?
This set is highly valuable due to Zelda’s popularity, and the fact that it contains individual discs for each title. One of the coolest rare GameCube games on our list.
26. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Price: $55 loose – $700 new in box
Genre: Fighting | Developer: HAL Laboratory | Release Date: 2001
Super Smash Bros. Melee. Is among the most iconic games on the Nintendo GameCube. It’s the second iteration in the bestselling series, and it absolutely smashes the competition. Play as your favorite Nintendo characters, and duke it out with your friends as you vie for victory. Think you’ve got what it takes to reach the top?
Although Super Smash Bros. was one of the best-selling GameCube games, it’s a highly sought after title that deserves a spot on the top of our list. If you manage to find a sealed copy, you’re looking at a highly valuable collectible.
25. Mario Kart: Double Dash
Price: $60 loose – $270 new in box
Genre: Racing | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2003
Are you a fan of the original Mario Kart? If so, Double Dash is sure to delight!
Hop into your Kart and compete against characters from the beloved Mario franchise. The twist this time around? You can choose two of your favorite racers and switch between them during the race.
Sign up for the Grand Prix in 50cc all the way to 150cc. Select your racers, choose your levels, then start your engines! During the match, you’ll need to collect items to gain an advantage over the competition. Unleash volleys of green shells on nearby enemies, or throw out a powerful blue shell to take out first place.
Think you’re a pro? Go for a spin on Rainbow Road and see if you can master the notoriously difficult stage. Double Dash is an excellent addition to the rare GameCube games family, and it’s among the top titles for the platform.
24. Lost Kingdoms II
Price: $65 loose – $210 new in box
Genre: Action RPG | Developer: FromSoftware | Release Date: 2003
Long before popular card game titles like Hearthstone and Eternal, there was Lost Kingdoms II. This game combines RPG elements with trading card mechanics to deliver an action adventure full of excitement.
The premise? The protagonist Tara Grimface must embark on a mission to steal powerful Runestones from the Caverns of Kendaria. It’s a journey that includes dangerous battles requiring masterful tactics and powerful cards. And it’ll take all your strategic wits to make it through in one piece.
Although the game received mediocre ratings from critics, it remains a fan favorite title for the GameCube.
23. Gauntlet Dark Legacy
Price: $70 loose – $115 new in box
Genre: Hack ‘n Slash // Dungeon Crawler | Developer: Midway Games | Release Date: 2002
Originally designed for arcade systems in the early 2000’s, Gauntlet Dark Legacy quickly earned itself a reputation as one of the better Hack ‘n Slash games on the market. This prompted a number of ports, including one for the Nintendo GameCube.
The premise? The mystical Runestones have been stolen by Skorne, an insidious demon with terrible power… and it’s up to you to stop him. Go at it alone or team with friends to retrieve the Runestones and obliterate Skorne and his minions once and for all.
Dark Legacy expands upon the Gauntlet series with new characters, abilities, items, and more. It’s an exciting romp that combines hack ‘n slash and dungeon crawler elements to deliver a polished fantasy adventure.
Although not as popular as the Playstation 2 version, Gauntlet Dark Legacy remains a classic on the GameCube. It’s a must have for collectors of the most valuable GameCube games.
22. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
Price: $70 loose – $210 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure // Stealth | Developer: Konami | Release Date: 2004
If you are a fan of the original Metal Gear Solid, The Twin Snakes is sure to impress. Under the direction of visionary producer Hideo Kojima, this version has been entirely revamped to deliver graphical improvements, new cutscenes, and exciting gameplay enhancements.
Take control of Snake and play through the immersive campaign in third or first-person mode. Carry out the mission as you infiltrate enemy bases with stealthy precision. Should anyone give you any trouble, assassinate them with a precision bullet or rain down fire to show ‘em who’s boss.
The Twin Snakes was released to critical acclaim, and it’s retained a high price tag over the years. That puts it at #22 on our list of the rarest and most expensive GameCube Games!
21. Spirits & Spells
Price: $70 loose – $340 new in box
Genre: Platform | Developer: Wanadoo | Release Date: 2003
Next up, we have Spirits & Spells, also known as Castleween outside of North America.
Alicia, Greg, and friends are out trick-or-treating on Halloween. Things are going well until… the boogeyman strikes, and most of the group is turned to stone! Play as Greg or Alicia, traveling through spooky platform environments searching for the Mad Scientist who can turn your friends back to their normal selves. Only then can you get home safe and sound.
Why this title is on our list of rare GameCube games is a bit of a mystery. As recently as 12 months ago, loose copies of Spirits & Spells were selling for around $25. Since then, the price has tripled to $75, and nearly $150 for complete-in-box variants!
A spooktacular mystery, indeed.
20. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Price: $75 loose – $210 new in box
Genre: RPG | Developer: Intelligent Systems | Release Date: 2004
Are you a fan of the Paper Mario franchise? If so, The Thousand Year Door is one of the best rare Nintendo GameCube games for you.
Take control of Mario as he sets out on a quest to rescue Peach from the villainous X-Nauts organization. Travel across the Mushroom Kingdom in a unique paper-themed game world that boasts a playful mixture of 2D and 3D graphics. Use the environment to your advantage as you take down enemies and return victorious.
Paper Mario goes for up to $200 in new condition, making it one of the most expensive GameCube games on our list.
19. Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
Price: $75 loose – $325 new in box
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: Sonic Team | Release Date: 2002
Phantasy Star Online was the very first MMORPG for game consoles, and it was a huge commercial success.
Originally a Dreamcast exclusive, Sega was forced to transition the title following the shuttering of their console lineup. And that’s when a port was made for the Nintendo GameCube. Enter Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II.
The GameCube version featured new quests, graphics, and game modes, and was released in 2002 to an entire new audience of gamers. The good news? The transition to GameCube was a hit, and The Phantasy Star series remains a popular franchise that can be found on Nintendo Switch to this very day.
18. Ribbit King
Price: $85 loose – $240 new in box
Genre: Sports | Developer: Infinity // Jamsworks | Release Date: 2003
There’s golf. And then there’s frolf.
Frolf is just like golf, except it’s a unique version of the game that uses frogs instead of balls. Catapult frogs around the frolf course, scoring points for launching them through rings and into the mouths of hungry predators!
Sound wacky? Sure is! But it’s also cute, adorable, and a surprising amount of fun!
The North American version, AKA the one on this list, comes with a special bonus disc called Ribbit King Plus!, which includes fun, unlockable animations. Together, the regular disc and the bonus disc cost a walloping $240 new in box!
17. NCAA College Basketball 2K3
Price: $85 loose – $605 new in box
Genre: Sports | Developer: Kush Games | Release Date: 2002
Have you been to those game stores that have bargain bins full of retro sports title? If so, you may be confused by this entry to the most expensive GameCube games list. But rest assured, there’s a reason it’s here.
As you probably know, the GameCube was primarily targeted toward a younger audience. As such, sports titles never made much of a dent in sales on the system. But Sega was determined to try its luck anyways, so they released NCAA College Basketball 2K3 in late 2002.
That was a mistake. The game flopped miserably, and Sega pulled the plug halfway through production. Nowadays, finding a copy, particularly one in good condition, is a major challenge.
An interesting side note: the price of loose 2K3 copies actually went down $15 between the time this article was first written back in 2019, but the price of new-in-box titles soared 100%!
16. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Price: $90 loose – $410 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2006
Released towards the end of the GameCube’s lifecycle, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess has become one of the most rare GameCube games on the market.
This is largely due to its exciting gameplay mechanics that feature your favorite Hylian Hero. Assume control of Link as you set out to save Hyrule from Ganondorf, the evil Gerudo leader. Traverse the lands in search of dungeons as you use your arsenal of powerful equipment to take down your foes and restore peace.
LoZ: Twilight Princess was a smash hit that won numerous accolades, including several Game of the Year awards. It’s the second best-selling Zelda title of all time (behind Breath of the Wild), and it remains a fan favorite on the GameCube.
15. Skies of Arcadia
Price: $100 loose – $305 new in box
Genre: RPG | Developer: Overworks | Release Date: 2003
Originally released on the Sega Dreamcast, Skies of Arcadia was completely revamped for its transition to the Nintendo GameCube.
Assume control of Vyse, an air pirate who must voyage across the world to save the planet from the tyrannical Valuan Empire. This turned-based RPG is all about exploration and adventure, with immersive mechanics and a thrilling storyline to match.
While Skies of Arcadia is not widely known, that only adds to its collectability and value among game hunters and folks seeking the rarest GameCube game.
14. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
Price: $110 loose – $425 new in box
Genre: RPG | Developer: Genius Sonority | Release Date: 2005
Team Cipher has rounded up all the pocket monsters and closed their hearts, turning them into Shadow Pokémon!
Now, it’s up to you to collect and purify all the Shadow Pokémon using the Snag Machine. You’re the only one who stands a chance, and the captured Pokémon are counting on you. Can you muster up the courage to stand against Team Cipher?
Like other Pokémon memorabilia, Gale of Darkness has soared in price over the past few years. In fact, this game tripled in price between 2019 and 2021 for both loose and new copies, making it one of the most valuable GameCube games around! If the trend continues, you can expect to see this item near the top of our list in years to come (you may want to snag a copy now).
13. Super Monkey Ball 2-Pack
Price: $110 loose – $1,000 new in box
Genre: Platform | Developer: Amusement Vision | Release Date: 2002
Super Monkey Ball is a silly arcade game about, well, playing with monkeys in balls! The main “campaign” consists of 1-4 players guiding their encased monkeys around various obstacle courses. The one who does it fastest, wins!
Super Monkey Ball also includes party games, like Monkey Target, where you roll down a giant hill and attempt to land your monkey in the bullseye. It also includes mini-games like Monkey Bowling!
Yes, it’s all ridiculous. But it’s also awesome — which is why the fanbase was thrilled when publisher Sega released Super Monkey Ball 2 a few years later.
A short time after that, Sega also released a 2-pack containing Super Monkey Ball and Super Monkey Ball 2 — but it’s believed to have been a limited run.
Due to the series’ lovable gameplay and the combo pack’s overall scarcity, new copies sell for upwards of $1,000! And no, we’re not monkeying around.
12. Sonic Heroes & Super Monkey Ball Duo Pack
Price: $120 loose – $480 new in box
Genre: Platform | Developer: Sonic Team & Amusement Vision | Release Date: 2004
Not to be confused with the 2-pack listed above, Sonic Heroes & Super Monkey Ball Duo Pack is another compilation featuring fan favorites on the GameCube.
First is Sonic Heroes, a crazy platformer featuring the Blue Blur and friends across an epic 3D world. Next is Monkey Ball, the zany monkey-in-a-ball, platform-meets-arcade title full of silly mini-games and ball-busting fun!
What makes this particular combo pack unique is that the two games come from entire different developers. Combined with fan’s adoration of these two titles, that’s enough to catapult Sonic Heroes & Super Monkey Ball Duo Pack near the top 10 on our list of rare GameCube games.
11. Disney Sports Basketball
Price: $120 loose – $745 new in box
Genre: Sports | Developer: Polygon Magic | Release Date: 2002
Disney Sports Basketball lets you shoot hoops with your favorite Disney characters, including the likes of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy! Jump in and compete against the opposing team to score massive points. Top of the leaderboard wins.
Unfortunately, the game wasn’t much of a slam dunk in terms of sales. Though the GameCube was heavily marketed towards children, the sports genre never really caught on. That makes Disney Sports Basketball a collectible title that continues to increase in value.
10. Sonic Adventure 2-Pack
Price: $120 loose – $1,710 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Sonic Team | Release Date: 2002
Sonic Adventure 2-Pack is a combination of Sonic Adventure & Sonic Adventure 2. First released in 1998 for the Dreamcast, the Sonic Adventure series catapulted your favorite blue hero into the 3D mainstream.
The premise? Players assume control of Sonic the Hedgehog and friends as they go on a quest to stop Dr. Robotnik from carrying out his evil plans. You must run, jump, and navigate challenging courses as fast as you can! Time is of the essence, and only you are fast enough to succeed.
What makes this version of Sonic Adventure so rare? Well, the main selling point of this set is the outer box itself, as this is all that separates it from the two individual games inside. If you manage to find a set with the box, hold onto it! It makes an excellent addition to a rare GameCube collection.
9. Chibi-Robo!
Price: $145 loose – $295 new in box
Genre: Platform // Adventure | Developer: Skip | Release Date: 2005
Chibi-Robo! is a fun, albeit mildly grindy, GameCube game about a little robot tasked with various chores. Assume control of Chibi-Robo! (the robot in question), check your to-do list, and start helping out around the house! Chores include the likes of cleaning, taking out the trash, even finding lost objects! Complete these tasks to gain Moolah, which you can spend on powerups and little helpers that make your robo-life easier. Do a good enough job, and you’ll earn Happy Points, which inch you ever-closer to the title of Super Chibi-Robo!
This game was greenlit by Shigeru Miyamoto himself, and the final product is a charming, whimsical adventure that’s since spawned numerous sequels. As the original in the lineup, Chibi-Robo! is a rare GameCube game that enthusiasts love to get their hands on!
8. Resident Evil: 10th Anniversary Collection
Price: $150 loose – $200 new in box
Genre: Survival // Horror | Developer: Capcom | Release Date: 2006
The Resident Evil: 10th Anniversary Collection boxed set contains copies of Resident Evil, Resident Evil Zero, and Resident Evil 4.
All three of the games are based around bizarre happenings that draw the player in, and then quickly escalate — turning into a battle for survival as things go from bad to worse. Pick up your weapon of choice and take aim quickly! It’ll take all you’ve got to make it out of this supernatural horror fest alive.
This GameStop exclusive was released to celebrate the original game’s launch 10 years prior. It takes a top spot on our rare GameCube games list largely due to its GameStop exclusivity.
7. Go Go Hypergrind
Price: $150 loose – $640 new in box
Genre: Sports | Developer: Poponchi | Release Date: 2003
Go Go Hypergrind is totally righteous, dude!
As you might expect, this GameCube exclusive is centered all around skateboarding. The premise is simple: players select a cartoon character, hop on their favorite board, and take to the halfpipe to perform wacky stunts. Ready to shred?
Contributing to its rarity is the fact that the game was never released in Japan. Moreover, it’s managed to gather a solid following over the past several years, making it one of the rarest Nintendo games on our list.
6. Pokémon Colosseum [Bonus Disc]
Price: $190 loose – $760 new in box
![Pokémon Colosseum [Bonus Disc]](https://retrowizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Pokemon-Colosseum-Bonus-Disc.jpg)
Genre: RPG | Developer: Genius Sonority | Release Date: 2004
Next up is Pokémon Colosseum, a Poké RPG for the GameCube. While it’s not like the original titles where you embark on an adventure to become a Pokémon master, it does take lots of inspiration from the mainline games.
As you might expect, the game’s legendary IP, combined with its novel yet familiar gameplay and interesting story, made it a top-selling hit on the GameCube. But that begs the question… why is it so rare?
Around the same time as the game’s release, Nintendo also launched a new movie called Jirachi: Wish Maker. To advertise both new entries into the Poké franchise, they offered a special bonus disc to those who pre-ordered Pokémon Colosseum. This disc was loaded with cross-promotional materials, as well as one coveted prize: Jerachi himself!
Since this game was only offered to those who pre-ordered Pokémon Colosseum, it’s exceedingly rare. Nowadays, you’ll have to shell out over $300 for a new copy.
5. Gotcha Force
Value: $200 loose – $445 new in box
Genre: Shooter | Developer: Capcom | Release Date: 2003
Earth is under attack, and it’s up to Kou and his friends to stop the enemy invaders and save the planet! Up for the challenge?
Gotcha Force is a third-person fighting game designed by Capcom exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. Unfortunately, the game never really caught on in North America.
Although it wasn’t much of a hit in the retail market, it did manage to gather an enthusiastic cult following. Combine that with its low sales numbers, and Gotcha Force has become a collectible title that commands high prices for loose and new copies alike.
4. Cubivore
Price: $210 loose – $1,125 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Intelligent Systems | Release Date: 2002
Take control of Cubivore as he scours the land in search of other beasts to feed on. Each beast consumed adds to his strength, cementing his position at the top of the food chain. It’s eat or be eaten in this crazy adventure title for the GameCube!
Though Cubivore was released multiple times, it remains a top Nintendo title. This is largely due to its unique gameplay and silly mechanics which are adored by fans around the world.
If you come across an unopened copy, be sure to keep it sealed, as it’s over 5x the price of the loose version. That said, if you do happen to come across a loose variant, give it a playthrough. This rare GameCube game is a ton of fun!
3. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Price: $235 loose – $490 new in box
Genre: RPG | Developer: Intelligent Systems | Release Date: 2005
Rounding out the top three rare GameCube games is Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is a challenging RPG that released on the Nintendo GameCube in 2005, near the end of the console’s lifecycle.
As part of the Fire Emblem series, Path of Radiance features the same set of iconic characters you know and love. The premise? Assume control of Ike and friends as you battle against enemies across the game world and restore peace to the realm. The game’s intricate battle mechanics are lauded for their depth, and the title found widespread commercial success across North America.
It also paved the way for plenty of spin-offs, cementing Fire Emblem as a mainstay of Nintendo IP in the West.
2. Metroid Prime & The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Price: $245 loose – $1500 new in box
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Nintendo | Release Date: 2005
Play through your favorite Metroid and Zelda games in this 2-in-1 combination set that features Prime and Wind Waker. They’re the same games you know and love, simply packaged together for your convenience.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. If they’re the same games, what makes this combo set so rare?
Well, this particular release was only available during the 2005 holiday season. Moreover, the only way to obtain one was bundled with a full GameCube console. Inside the box you’d find this package, which contains two separate discs and manuals.
The other reason it’s one of the rarest GameCube games around? Metroid Prime and Wind Waker are two of the most sought after and rare GameCube games on the console. True must-haves for serious collectors.
1. Pokémon Box
Price: $510 loose – $2,475 new in box
Genre: Utility | Developer: The Pokémon Company | Release Date: 2004
First on our list of rare GameCube games? Pokémon Box!
Pokémon Box is a training aid designed to work alongside Poké GBA games like Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, as well as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. The premise is simple: using Pokémon Box, players are able to transfer their Pokémon from the Game Boy handheld system to the GameCube. Then, players can view, organize, and show off their Pokémon via their TVs!
What makes Pokémon Box so valuable? Well, the American version of Pokémon Box was only available for sale at the Pokémon Center in New York City. Moreover, there were limited quantities available for purchase.
If you find a copy, hang onto it — in the past 2 years alone, the game has doubled in price!