Nintendo Switch Users Can Now Run GameCube & Wii Games More Easily Than Ever
A fan-made tool called Tico now allows Nintendo Switch users to enjoy titles from older consoles like the GameCube and Wii on Switch.
Fans have been asking Nintendo to bring some of the classic GameCube and Wii titles to newer-gen consoles like the Switch. Although Nintendo is yet to take a step towards this change, fans have already been working on it for a few years now.
A new project called Tico is a custom, multi-platform emulation frontend that allows emulation on the Switch's Horizon OS. This makes emulating games easier for players, who no longer have to download Switchroot and then install another OS like Android or Linux to run the emulator and games.
Tico effectively streamlines the process, as the latest Tico v0.7.0 alpha release helps the Dolphin emulator core run directly on the Switch's OS via custom firmware setups.
Here is a closer look at Tico's features, what it provides, and how it enhances Switch.
Features of Tico on Nintendo Switch
Tico certainly brings a lot to the table as a frontend. Built on native C++ for portability and high performance, Tico can launch Dolphin directly without any configuration.
Tico's controller-first navigation UI is also applicable to both docked and handheld controllers, making it dynamic. When combined with Tico, the Dolphin core gives a boost to Switch, bumping the chip's power to 1,785 MHz and the GPU to 768 MHz.
After installing, users can enjoy classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on the Switch itself.
There is a warning to keep in mind. As Tico is still in the alpha stages of development, the Switch might overheat at times, so it's best to be aware of this when playing classic GameCube and Wii titles.
All in all, it looks like a great deal for players to enjoy thousands of old titles while waiting for Nintendo to make these titles available on the console directly.
