Update: Walmart Promotional Banner Appears to Leak Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 for NSO

Update - 30th January 2026

In an official statement from Nintendo it looks like the Big N made the mistake by providing Walmart with the above marketing materials incorrectly. In a statement Nintendo provided to IGN, they said

"We recently provided a retailer with an image of Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics titles that incorrectly included games that are not planned for release at this time," Nintendo of America has now stated. "The image has been removed, and we apologize for any confusion."

Well, I guess it’s nothing to announce ‘at this time’, but who know could tomorrow, or next week be the right time? Check back as the story develops.

Original Story

Are we getting new GameCube games on NSO soon?

A retail oversight at Walmart may have revealed the next two titles heading to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. An updated promotional banner on Walmart’s website has featured box art for Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2 alongside the current library of GameCube titles available on the service.

Details of the Leak

The promotional image, which appeared on Walmart’s dedicated Nintendo brand page, showcased a collage of classic titles. While the majority of the games—such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX—are already live on the service, the inclusion of Samus Aran’s second Prime adventure and Captain Olimar’s sequel caught the attention of the community.The banner was quickly spotted by users on social media and verified by multiple outlets before the specific assets were cycled out.

Implications for Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

The inclusion of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes on the Nintendo Switch Online service is bittersweet for some fans. Following the critical success of Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, there was high expectation for a similar visual overhaul for Echoes.

If the game is indeed coming to the NSO GameCube library, it will likely be an emulated version of the original 2004 release rather than a full remaster. While this makes the game accessible to a wider audience, it suggests that a standalone HD remake may not be in Nintendo's immediate plans.

The Pikmin 2 Curiosity

The appearance of Pikmin 2 is perhaps more surprising, as an HD port of the game is already available for purchase on the eShop as part of the Pikmin 1+2 bundle.

• The "Original" Experience: Speculation suggests the NSO version may include the original licensed product placement (such as Duracell batteries and Dr. Pepper caps) that was removed from the 2023 HD re-release.

• Online Play: An NSO release could potentially introduce online support for the game’s 2-player battle mode, a feature missing from the current standalone port.

Potential Reveal Date

Neither Nintendo nor Walmart has officially commented on the leak. However, with rumors circulating of a Nintendo Direct scheduled for February 5, 2026, many analysts believe these titles will be "shadow-dropped" or announced during that presentation to bolster the early 2026 software lineup.

Out of Sync Gaming Take

I love it when a marketing leak happens. If it’s true, then I see it as the death nail in the coffin for the HD Remake of Metroid Prime 2: Echos. Oh well, at least we got the brilliant remake of the first one and hey, both of these games will add more value to the NSO service.

Are you excited for these potential additions to the GameCube NSO lineup? Let us know in the comments below.