Chibi-Robo! Is The New Classic Coming to Nintendo Switch 2’s GameCube Library
As announced just a couple of days ago, on August 12th, 2025, Nintendo will be adding the very much underappreciated Chibi-Robo! to the Nintendo GameCube library for the Nintendo Switch 2, available to Expansion Pack members. For those who cannot wait, it will be added to the platform on August 21st, 2025.
When did Chibi-Robo! release?
Originally released in North America for the Nintendo GameCube on February 8, 2006, Chibi-Robo! is part of a niche but beloved series primarily developed by Skip Ltd., a small and creatively distinct Japanese studio known for its quirky and heartfelt titles. Skip Ltd. maintained a close working relationship with Nintendo for many years, contributing to several unique projects across Nintendo platforms.
Unfortunately, the studio quietly ceased operations in August 2020, marking the end of an era for fans of its offbeat charm. The final game released by Skip Ltd. was Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash, a side-scrolling platformer launched for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015, which aimed to bring the tiny robot hero to a broader audience, albeit with mixed reception from both critics and longtime fans.
What is Chibi-Robo! About?
Join this charming little robot on a heartwarming and unexpectedly grand adventure as he takes on the important role of caring for the Sanderson family and helping to restore order and happiness to their household. Tasked with cleaning, fixing, and solving the family’s everyday problems, Chibi-Robo navigates the home using ordinary household items in creative and resourceful ways—turning spoons into ladders, cords into ziplines, and more.
One of the game’s standout features is its inventive battery management mechanic: Chibi-Robo constantly needs to monitor his energy levels, returning to electrical outlets to recharge before his battery runs out. This adds a strategic layer to exploration, encouraging players to plan their movements carefully. Balancing time, energy, and tasks becomes key to success, making every small victory feel genuinely rewarding in this delightfully unusual take on the adventure genre.
The title previously sold very modestly, somewhere around 0.23 million units in the US according to VGChartz, though more concrete numbers are unknown. It was certainly enough to garner sequels in the future. However, a number of them would remain locked to Japan, such as a Japanese-exclusive re-release it received for the Nintendo Wii under the New Play Controls line of GameCube ports that received similar updates.
While this may not boost much interest in reviving the series for a new entry, it can at least exist for old fans looking to revisit a childhood memory. It is a reminder that Nintendo is aware, and has been adding (and soon to add) other underrated classes such as F-Zero GX and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.
What is Great About This Re-release?
Like many legacy titles brought back, introducing them to new generations is a very important factor, but also having an accessible way to play these titles is very important. Besides aging hardware, titles like Chibi-Robo! suffer from being hard to obtain physical copies of at a reasonable price. According to price charts online, even just acquiring the game loose can still cost around $125 on its own, with prices going as high as in the $400s if it’s complete and graded.
Amazingly, Nintendo has been able to offer these games up effectively for free so long as you own a Nintendo Switch 2 and an ongoing online subscription. My recommendation is always to round up a few friends and take advantage of their family plan, for those especially looking for a good deal on outstanding Nintendo classics.
Hopefully, in the future, Nintendo will hear our prayers and add other memorable Nintendo GameCube titles to the platform (I’m personally looking forward to a port of Skies of Arcadia).
