On January 9, 2026, Nintendo officially released Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance for the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Classics library, marking a major moment for fans of the storied tactical RPG franchise. The announcement, made via Nintendo’s U.S. newsfeed, confirmed that the beloved 2005 GameCube title would now be available to all Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, adding yet another classic to the steadily growing digital collection. For many, this release is a long-awaited homecoming for a game that has been hailed as one of the finest entries in the Fire Emblem series.
Originally debuting on the Nintendo GameCube more than two decades ago, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance quickly earned critical acclaim for its mature storytelling, innovative gameplay, and for ushering the franchise into the world of 3D graphics. As IGN noted in a 2023 retrospective, "Path of Radiance stays true to its predecessors’ core game systems, like the weapons triangle, but upgrades everything from the skills system to the flow of battles. Its innovations and tweaks have influenced every Fire Emblem game since then."
Set on the fictional continent of Tellius, the game’s narrative centers on the mercenary Ike—making his series debut—and a diverse group of companions. The story unfolds against the backdrop of mounting tension between two races: the human Beorc and the half-human Laguz. Their history is one of strife, mistrust, and uneasy compromise, but the fragile peace is shattered as sinister forces emerge from the shadows to pit the two groups against each other. Players guide Ike and his band as they attempt to rescue a princess and save the kingdom of Crimea from the invading nation of Daein, all while navigating the larger conflict threatening to engulf Tellius in chaos.
One of the game’s most distinctive features is its unforgiving permadeath system. Any character who falls in battle is lost for the remainder of the game—a mechanic that adds both tension and emotional weight to every skirmish. As GameSpot and other outlets have highlighted over the years, this system is a hallmark of the franchise, and it’s in Path of Radiance that many players first grappled with the consequences of their tactical decisions in 3D. The game also introduced fully-voiced cutscenes and expansive 3D maps, offering a level of immersion and presentation that was groundbreaking for the series at the time.
The arrival of Path of Radiance on Switch 2 comes at a time of renewed interest in the Fire Emblem franchise. Nintendo has been steadily expanding its GameCube Classics library, which now includes titles like Super Mario Strikers, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and F-Zero GX. Each game benefits from a higher resolution than their original releases, giving newcomers and returning fans alike a chance to experience these classics with a modern sheen. For added nostalgia, Nintendo even offers a wireless controller designed after the original GameCube controller—an authentic touch for purists who want to relive the experience as it was meant to be played.
For those who have only encountered Ike through his appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series, Path of Radiance offers a deeper look at the blue-haired hero’s origins. As IGN described, "If you only know Path of Radiance because it introduced the world to Ike (of subsequent Smash Bros. fame), you’ll find a criminally underplayed strategy RPG that’s every bit as rewarding today as when it surprised GameCube owners back in 2005." The game’s influence is undeniable, with its innovations—like expanded shove and rescue functions, smart bonus rewards, and the addition of Battle Preparations and Base screens—leaving a lasting mark on subsequent Fire Emblem titles.
It’s also worth noting that the Switch 2 release of Path of Radiance was first teased during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct event in April 2025. Of the 11 titles shown at that time, several—including Super Mario Sunshine, Pokémon Colosseum, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness—are still awaited by fans. The addition of Path of Radiance now signals Nintendo’s willingness to mix up the order of releases, surprising many who had expected a more predictable rollout based on earlier trailers.
With the game now live, subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can jump into a world where every decision matters and every loss stings. The game’s dark themes and complex character dynamics are as resonant today as they were in 2005. The story, as Nintendo’s own blurb puts it, is one where "dark days are rising," and only Ike and his companions stand between Tellius and chaos. It’s a grand drama, filled with political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the ever-present threat of war.
The timing of this release is also intriguing, coming just ahead of the anticipated launch of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave later this year. Revealed in September 2025, the upcoming game’s debut trailer hinted at a possible connection to the continuity of 2019’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses. While details remain scarce, the excitement around Fortune’s Weave has only heightened interest in the series’ past, making the availability of Path of Radiance on modern hardware all the more significant.
For those looking to experience the game, the requirements are straightforward: a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription and a Switch 2 system. As always, Nintendo reminds users that online features and access to the classics library require a current membership and a Nintendo Account. The company has also clarified that membership auto-renews at the prevailing rate unless canceled, and that availability may vary by country.
As the GameCube Classics library continues to grow, the inclusion of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance stands out not only for its gameplay pedigree but also for its storytelling ambition. It’s a reminder of a time when strategy RPGs dared to take risks, both narratively and mechanically, and it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a game that, even after twenty years, still finds new ways to surprise and challenge players. For veterans and newcomers alike, Tellius awaits—and with it, the promise of adventure, heartbreak, and triumph.
With dark days rising once again in the world of Fire Emblem, Nintendo’s latest addition to its classics lineup ensures that Ike’s journey will be experienced by a whole new generation of strategists, dreamers, and heroes in the making.