The Nintendo Switch Online service has been a great way for subscribers to check out some of Nintendo's hidden gems from classic consoles like the NES, SNES, and Game Boy, in addition to the N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance as part if Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Among the games available from these retro consoles, some are able to take advantage of the Switch's hardware to replicate unique and integral aspects of the original experience. One such example is Kirby Tilt ‘n Tumble, which is set to release for Nintendo Switch Online later this year.
Kirby Tilt ‘n Tumble is a unique title for the Game Boy Color that utilizes an accelerometer on the cartridge, allowing players to control Kirby by tilting the handheld. Gameplay revolves around using these motion controls to navigate Kirby through a series of levels within a certain time limit, collecting stars all the while. With this game set to hit Nintendo Switch Online's library of Game Boy games and take advantage of the Switch's motion control capabilities, there are a couple other titles that use motion controls also deserving of a spot.
Yoshi Topsy-Turvy
As an evolution of the built-in cartridge hardware of Kirby Tilt ‘n Tumble, Yoshi Topsy-Turvy took a similar approach using a built-in sensor on its Game Boy Advance cartridge. Released under the title of Yoshi's Universal Gravitation outside of North America, the gameplay saw players use its motion sensor to tilt the handheld and affect gravity across the game. Using this control scheme, players could cause enemies and objects to move around, which could then be used to help solve puzzles and navigate Yoshi to the goal.
The game released for North America in 2005 and was met with mediocre review scores criticizing its repetitive gameplay and simplistic level design. Many critics also found the game too short and its use of the motion control technology inconsistent, especially when compared to other titles that used it. While this game didn't have the staying power of other Game Boy Advance titles, its interesting gravity-defying motion control gimmick helped it stand out as a unique experience worth reliving on Switch.
WarioWare: Twisted!
The library of Game Boy Advance titles available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers already includes WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!, the first entry in the series, so it seems likely that the service would add its sequel WarioWare: Twisted! As a successor that built upon the microgame formula of the original game, WarioWare: Twisted! added the use of a gyro sensor in the cartridge to shake up the control possibilities. These bite-sized microgames were designed around having the user tilt the Game Boy Advance in a certain direction to mimic tasks.
Reception to the game was overall positive when it released in North America in 2005, and it was praised as a unique step forward for the budding series. The gyro controls were seen as innovative rather than annoying, and made a great pick-up-and-play title for the handheld Game Boy Advance even better. With how short WarioWare games generally are due to their gameplay being designed to be played in bursts, WarioWare: Twisted! would make another great addition to the Nintendo Switch Online's catalog.