One of the best Fire Emblem games is now available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on Switch 2. 2005’s Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is the first game of 2026 to join the GameCube classics library, as promised by Nintendo last year.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance originally launched for the GameCube in the U.S. on October 17, 2005. It was the third game in the series to come stateside, but it is actually the ninth entry overall. Players control a mercenary named Ike, making his series debut, on a quest to free the kingdom of Crimea from the control of the invading nation. Path of Radiance is also the first Fire Emblem game to feature 3D graphics, voice acting, and full motion cutscenes. The game was generally well-received, and established Ike as one of the series most popular characters, to the point he would become a mainstay in the Super Smash Bros. series as a playable fighter.
You can fire up Path of Radiance right now (we checked), though it’s worth reiterating that the GameCube library is only available on Switch 2. To keep up with every other GameCube game available on Switch 2 and much more, check out our complete database of every Nintendo Switch Online classic game.
For more on Fire Emblem, check out the debut trailer for the next mainline entry set to launch this year, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.
It’s exciting to see Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joining the Switch Online GameCube library! This classic game has a special place in many fans’ hearts, and it’s great that more players will have the chance to experience it. Looking forward to seeing how it resonates with a new audience!
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic addition, especially considering how influential Path of Radiance was in popularizing the series outside of Japan. Players will get to experience the rich storytelling and strategic gameplay that fans have loved for years.