Beginning in late October 2021, Nintendo will add a new membership option to their Nintendo Switch Online service. In addition to the existing benefits, members will also have access to a number of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games to play locally or multiplayer online.
Launch lineup of Nintendo 64 games
- Super Mario 64
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Mario Kart 64
- Star Fox 64
- Sin and Punishment
- Dr. Mario 64
- Mario Tennis 64
- WinBack
- Yoshi’s Story
Some of the upcoming Nintendo 64 games
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Pokémon Snap
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
- Mario Golf
- Paper Mario
- F-Zero X
Launch lineup of SEGA Genesis games
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- M.U.S.H.A.
- Phantasy Star IV
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Strider
Nintendo also stated there would be N64 and Genesis wireless controllers available for members to purchase at $49.99 each, in case players want to get the authentic experience of playing with the original controllers for each system.
For those concerned, Nintendo mentioned that the library of NES and SNES titles would also continue to grow for those who choose the existing membership or the new expansion pass membership.
Nintendo began the Nintendo Switch Online service in September 2018, approximately a year and a half after the release of the Switch, which currently gives players access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, a smartphone companion app used for limited game access and voice chat, and a growing library of NES and SNES games.
Currently, there are two options for membership:
- Individual Membership: $3.99 per month, $7.99 per 3 months, or $19.99 per year
- Family Membership for up to 8 accounts: $34.99 per year
Existing members will have the option of upgrading their membership for an additional fee.
More information on the Expansion Pack and the new controllers will be available closer to the service’s launch in late October 2021.
[Source: Nintendo of America press release and Nintendo Direct 9.23.2021]
Steve is the Senior Editor of NintendoFuse and co-host of the NintendoFuse Podcast. He’s been a Nintendo gamer since age 6 and has been on staff with NintendoFuse since 2008.