A few days ago, Nintendo held a Direct event, which saw the announcement of several new games and updates on upcoming Switch titles. However, one of the most significant announcements made at the latest Nintendo Direct is that Nintendo Switch Online will be getting Sega Genesis games soon.
It is worth remembering that before the Direct presentation, rumors claimed that Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games were going to be added to Switch Online. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, as confirmed by Nintendo, but the upcoming arrival of Sega Genesis games on Switch Online is definitely a welcome addition. According to Nintendo, 14 Sega Genesis games will be offered to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in late October, and here are the games players should try out first.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Of course, the Sega Genesis experience wouldn't be complete without a Sonic the Hedgehog game. As announced by Nintendo, one of the launch titles that will be available on the new tier of Nintendo Switch Online is Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which was initially released in 1992. Although some players were disappointed to know that the original Sonic the Hedgehog won't be included in Switch Online, its sequel still offers the fun, and nostalgic gameplay one expects from a Sonic title.
Shortly after its release, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 quickly became the second-bestselling Genesis game thanks to the major improvements compared to the original title with impressive visuals, challenging legend design, and memorable music. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also introduced Sonic's sidekick Tails, controllable by a second player in the game.
Castlevania: Bloodlines
Another noteworthy Genesis game that Switch Online subscribers should try out first is Castlevania: Bloodlines. For the uninitiated, Castlevania: Bloodlines is a platform game developed by Konami that tells the story of a legendary vampire named Elizabeth Bartley who makes a mysterious appearance in the 20th century. In an attempt to bring her uncle Dracula back to life, Elizabeth orchestrates the events that led to World War I.
It is worth knowing that Castlevania: Bloodlines is one of two Castlevania games released on Genesis, with the other being Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Shortly after its release in 1994, Castlevania: Bloodlines became one of the most popular entries in the franchise and is also widely considered as one of the best Genesis games of all time.
Contra: Hard Corps
Luckily for Switch Online subscribers who are massive fans of run-and-gun shooters, Nintendo is including Contra: Hard Corps, which is easily one of the most popular Contra games to date. Serving as the first game in the Hard Corps subseries, Contra: Hard Corps is set five years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. However, instead of having players control iconic Contra heroes such as Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, the game introduces the new Hard Corps task force sent to deal with a terrorist group led by Colonel Bahamut, who stile an alien cell to produce weapons.
During its initial release in 1994, Contra: Hard Corps was praised for its engaging boss fights, impressive visuals, seamless combat, and of course, its unforgiving difficulty. Overall, Contra: Hard Corps is perfect for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who are looking for an action-filled shooter game.
In the end, all of the 14 Genesis games that are scheduled to be included in Switch Online in October are all iconic titles that would certainly offer the much-needed variety over the current NES and SNES provided by the service. Hopefully, these 14 classic Genesis games are just the initial lineup, given all the other great games from the console that would also be excellent additions to Nintendo Switch Online.
