Nintendo Switch Online: Classic Games List

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Nintendo Switch Online: Dive into a World of Classic Games

Hey guys! Are you ready to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane? With Nintendo Switch Online, you're not just getting access to online play; you're unlocking a treasure trove of classic games from the NES, SNES, and even the Game Boy era! Let’s explore what makes this service a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription-based service that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience. Beyond enabling online multiplayer for games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, it offers a growing library of classic games that you can play anytime, anywhere. Think of it as a Netflix for retro games, and who doesn’t love that? The service is available in two main tiers: the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack. Each tier offers different benefits, but both give you access to those sweet, sweet classic games.

The standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription is the base level and includes access to a rotating selection of NES and SNES games. These aren't just simple emulations; Nintendo has added online multiplayer functionality to many of them, meaning you can team up or compete with friends in games that originally didn't support online play. Imagine playing Super Mario Bros. with a buddy across the country or battling it out in Super Mario Kart without being in the same room! This feature alone adds incredible value and replayability to these classic titles. Plus, the service includes cloud saves for compatible games, ensuring your progress is safe even if your Switch decides to take an unexpected dive off the couch. You also get access to the Nintendo Switch Online app, which offers voice chat and other features to enhance your online gaming experience. For anyone who grew up with these consoles or is curious to experience gaming history, the standard NSO subscription is a fantastic entry point.

For those looking for even more retro goodness, the Expansion Pack is where it's at. This tier includes everything from the standard subscription, plus access to Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. That's right, you can relive the glory days of 3D platformers, classic RPGs, and high-speed action games all on your Nintendo Switch. The Expansion Pack also includes access to DLC for select Switch games, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise DLC. While the Expansion Pack is more expensive than the standard subscription, the added content and features make it a worthwhile upgrade for serious retro gamers. Whether you're yearning to revisit the blocky landscapes of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or want to experience the strategic depth of Advance Wars, the Expansion Pack has something for everyone.

The All-Star Lineup: Classic Games on Nintendo Switch Online

Alright, let's get to the good stuff – the games! The Nintendo Switch Online library is constantly growing, so there's always something new to discover. Here’s a rundown of some of the must-play titles available on the service, spanning across different consoles and genres.

NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

The NES is where it all began for many of us, and the NSO library includes a stellar collection of games that defined a generation. From platformers to RPGs, the NES offerings are a delightful mix of nostalgia and timeless gameplay.

  • Super Mario Bros.: The quintessential platformer that needs no introduction. Jump, stomp, and power-up your way through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master, and its iconic level design and catchy tunes have cemented its place in gaming history.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Embark on an epic adventure as Link, exploring a vast world, battling monsters, and collecting powerful items to save Princess Zelda. This game set the standard for action-adventure games and its sense of exploration and discovery remains captivating to this day.
  • Metroid: A groundbreaking action-adventure game that introduced players to the intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran. Explore a hostile alien planet, uncover secrets, and upgrade your suit to take on increasingly challenging enemies. Its non-linear gameplay and atmospheric setting were revolutionary for its time.
  • Kirby's Adventure: A charming and colorful platformer that introduced Kirby's ability to copy enemy abilities. With its creative level design and whimsical characters, Kirby's Adventure is a delightful experience for players of all ages. It’s a great example of how Nintendo consistently innovated within the platformer genre.
  • Donkey Kong: The arcade classic that launched the career of Mario (then known as Jumpman). Climb ladders, avoid barrels, and rescue Pauline from the clutches of the mighty Donkey Kong. This game is a test of skill and reflexes, and its simple yet addictive gameplay has stood the test of time.

SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

The SNES took everything we loved about the NES and cranked it up to eleven. With improved graphics, sound, and gameplay, the SNES era is considered a golden age of gaming, and the NSO library reflects that.

  • Super Mario World: A sprawling and imaginative platformer that introduced Yoshi to the world. Explore colorful worlds, discover hidden secrets, and take on challenging levels in this masterpiece of game design. Super Mario World is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: A sprawling adventure across Hyrule, featuring a gripping narrative, intricate dungeons, and a vast overworld filled with secrets. This game is often cited as one of the best in the Zelda series and its influence can still be seen in modern action-adventure games.
  • Super Metroid: Widely regarded as one of the greatest action-adventure games ever made. Explore a sprawling alien world, uncover secrets, and upgrade Samus's abilities to take on challenging bosses. Its atmospheric setting and non-linear gameplay are still captivating today.
  • Super Mario Kart: The game that started it all for kart racers. Race against friends or the computer in a variety of colorful tracks, using power-ups to gain an edge. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and iconic characters have made it a classic for a reason.
  • Star Fox: A groundbreaking 3D rail shooter that pushed the SNES to its limits. Pilot your Arwing through enemy territory, battling waves of enemies and taking on challenging bosses. Its innovative graphics and fast-paced action made it a standout title on the SNES.

Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 brought us into the world of 3D gaming, and the NSO Expansion Pack includes some of the console's most iconic titles.

  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: An epic adventure that redefined the Zelda series and set a new standard for 3D action-adventure games. Explore a vast world, solve puzzles, and battle enemies in this timeless classic. Ocarina of Time is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
  • Super Mario 64: Mario's first foray into 3D, and it's still a blast to play today. Explore a variety of colorful worlds, collect stars, and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches. Its innovative gameplay and imaginative level design made it a landmark title.
  • Mario Kart 64: The sequel to Super Mario Kart, featuring improved graphics, new characters, and a variety of exciting tracks. Race against friends or the computer in this classic kart racer. Mario Kart 64 is known for its chaotic multiplayer action and memorable tracks.
  • Star Fox 64: A fast-paced rail shooter that puts you in the cockpit of an Arwing. Battle waves of enemies, take on challenging bosses, and save the Lylat System from Andross's evil forces. Its thrilling gameplay and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite.
  • Banjo-Kazooie: A charming and whimsical platformer that follows the adventures of Banjo the bear and Kazooie the bird. Explore colorful worlds, collect Jiggies, and stop the evil witch Gruntilda from stealing Tooty's beauty. Its creative level design and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic.

Game Boy Advance

The Game Boy Advance brought handheld gaming to a new level with its impressive graphics and deep gameplay. The NSO Expansion Pack includes some of the system's best titles.

  • The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: A charming and colorful adventure that sees Link teaming up with a magical talking cap named Ezlo. Explore a vibrant world, shrink down to microscopic size, and save Hyrule from the evil Vaati. Its unique gameplay mechanics and charming story make it a standout title in the Zelda series.
  • Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3: A faithful port of the NES classic, with enhanced graphics and additional features. Play through the iconic levels of Super Mario Bros. 3, collect power-ups, and defeat Bowser's Koopalings. Its timeless gameplay and challenging level design make it a must-play for any platformer fan.
  • Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga: A hilarious and engaging RPG that follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi as they travel to the Beanbean Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach's voice. Explore a colorful world, battle enemies, and solve puzzles in this charming and witty adventure. Its unique battle system and humorous dialogue have made it a fan favorite.
  • Metroid Fusion: A tense and atmospheric action-adventure game that sees Samus Aran battling a deadly parasite known as the X. Explore a sprawling research station, uncover secrets, and upgrade your suit to survive the deadly threat. Its gripping story and challenging gameplay have made it a standout title in the Metroid series.
  • Kirby & The Amazing Mirror: A unique and innovative platformer that sees Kirby exploring a mysterious world connected by mirrors. Team up with three differently colored Kirbys, solve puzzles, and defeat the evil Dark Mind. Its non-linear gameplay and cooperative multiplayer make it a standout title in the Kirby series.

Sega Genesis

  • Sonic The Hedgehog 2: A fast-paced platformer that follows Sonic and Tails as they race to stop Dr. Robotnik from collecting the Chaos Emeralds. Zoom through colorful levels, collect rings, and defeat challenging bosses in this classic sequel. Its high-speed gameplay and catchy tunes have made it a fan favorite.
  • Streets of Rage 2: A classic beat 'em up that sees Axel, Blaze, and Skate teaming up to take down the evil Mr. X and his criminal syndicate. Battle waves of enemies, use special attacks, and clear the streets in this action-packed brawler. Its challenging gameplay and cooperative multiplayer have made it a beloved classic.

Why Subscribe?

So, why should you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online? The answer is simple: value. For a relatively low annual fee, you gain access to a vast library of classic games, online multiplayer functionality, cloud saves, and exclusive offers. It's a no-brainer for anyone who owns a Switch and enjoys retro gaming.

Whether you're a long-time Nintendo fan or new to the world of classic games, Nintendo Switch Online offers something for everyone. So grab your Joy-Cons, fire up your Switch, and get ready to relive the glory days of gaming! You won't regret it!