As Playstation and Xbox leap into the next-gen 4K future, it looks like Nintendo is going back to its roots. Nintendo announced yesterday that the gaming giant will be bringing back the beloved N64 games through its premium Switch Online service.
Switch players can now play classics such as Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time and Mario Kart 64 through Switch Online +. You’ll also find classic SEGA Genesis games like Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Switch Online subscribers can access online multiplayer across the platform, as well as dozens of emulated versions of classic Nintendo games from the NES or SNES. Access to SEGA emulators and N64 will force players to level up.
(Image: Avenir via Getty Images)
On top of that, Nintendo will be releasing Switch-compatible versions of the original Nintendo 64 controller for $ 49.99 (around £ 36).
Nintendo has yet to provide pricing information, but has said it will provide more information ahead of the October launch. Nintendo insiders say it’s unlikely to be significantly more expensive than the current Switch Online subscription of £ 18 per year.
The first batch of N64 games to be made available includes:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Super Mario 64
- Star fox 64
- Yoshi’s story
- WinBack: covert operations
- Dr Mario 64
- Sin and punishment
- Mario Tennis 64
(Photo: Nintendo)
Later, Nintendo will also add:
- Pokémon Snap
- The Legend of Zelda: The Mask of Majora
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Kirby 64: Crystal Shards
- Mario golf
- Paper mario
- F-Zero X
The official announcement follows months of leaks and rumors speculating that Nintendo is boosting its line of emulators.
(Photo: Nintendo)
This month also saw the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED model, which brings major improvements to the display and docking station of the handheld console.
We’ll also see the release of Metroid Dread in October. This is the first 2D installment in the beloved series since 2002.
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