Nintendo’s classic franchises are among the most recognizable in the gaming world. From the Mario Brothers to The Legend of Zelda series, gamers have fond memories of their exploits with Nintendo’s catalog of games. Many of these series are still running today, however, the older titles retain a place in gamer’s hearts thanks to nostalgia and excellence. Plenty of these classic titles are available on the Nintendo Switch, and the console’s list of old-school games continues to grow.
The recent Nintendo Direct announced a broad range of new titles set to release on the Nintendo Switch, including the long-awaited Bayonetta 3. However, retro gamers would have been more intrigued by the announcement of more classic titles making their way to the Switch soon. These are set to join the classic titles already available on the Switch through Nintendo Switch Online, although they also mark the introduction of a new membership plan. While the price of this membership plan isn’t yet known, it’s become clear that for retro gamers, the Nintendo Switch is a great option.
Nintendo Switch Online’s Retro Game Collection
Among the most exciting announcements at the recent Nintendo Direct were the reveals for Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games coming to Nintendo Switch Online. A total of 14 Sega Genesis games were revealed, along with nine Nintendo 64 games at launch, with an additional nine to be released in the future. This joins the existing collection of retro games on Nintendo Switch Online, which includes titles from the NES and SNES. There’s also the potential for more retro games in the future; while it was not announced at the recent Nintendo Direct, there have also been rumors circulating that Game Boy games are likely coming to the service.
In addition to the retro games available through Nintendo Switch Online, subscribers also have the option to buy modernized retro controllers through Switch Online. SNES and NES controllers are available, and along with the arrival of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genisis games on the Switch, matching controllers for each of these systems are coming too. The oddity of Nintendo reproducing a Sega Genesis controller has been noted by fans, but most are eager to get their hands on the retro controllers.
What caused some controversy with the announcement of N64 and Genesis games coming to the Switch was the reveal that these will be a part of a “new membership plan” launching next month. The pricing of the new plan is unknown at this time.
Old-School Titles on the Nintendo Switch
There was an emerging trend a few years ago of mini retro consoles containing a collection of games. These were popular in part for the novelty factor of owning a miniature version of a childhood console, but also because many gamers are eager to replay titles from their childhood. This made the demand for retro games evident, and Nintendo has since made the Switch the perfect console for nostalgic gamers. The addition of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games to Nintendo Switch Online is just further evidence to the Switch’s growing investment in retro gaming. For gamers looking to play a good mix of retro and modern titles, the Switch is the place to be.
Nintendo has also been bringing back and remaking older titles in game collections, with Super Mario 3D All-Stars and the recent Skyward Sword remaster exemplifying this. It looks as though the Switch is marketing itself as the home of retro games, and fans are being receptive to these types of releases. Throw in the fact that Switch Online subscribers will soon be able to choose between four different retro controllers, and the Nintendo Switch is fast becoming the ultimate retro console. On the Switch, there’s a little something for everyone, with gamers able to go back and play NES games, before jumping into modern titles like Dying Light 2: Cloud Version.
