Surprise Nintendo Switch Online Update Adding 4 Classic Games

At the latest Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo confirmed four games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service later today. Nintendo Switch Online is Nintendo’s equivalent of PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass. It makes it possible for Switch gamers to play games online, but more importantly, it gives them access to a suite of classic Nintendo games.

Nintendo eventually expanded Switch Online with the Switch Online Expansion Pack. Those who decide to sign up for the pricier Expansion Pack tier of the subscription can get access to all the games available on the base Switch Online service, plus titles from additional platforms, like the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64. Now, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers know of four more games joining the Expansion Pack tier.

As announced at the latest Nintendo Direct, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Four Swords, Metroid: Zero Mission, Perfect Dark, and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter are all coming to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack later today. Zelda and Metroid are Game Boy Advance games, whereas Perfect Dark and Turok are Nintendo 64 titles. Notably, Perfect Dark and Turok will be the first M-rated games added to the Switch Online subscription service, which could potentially open the door for more M-rated games down the road.

New Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Games

• Metroid: Zero Mission (Game Boy Advance)
• Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64)
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Four Swords (Game Boy Advance)
• Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (Nintendo 64)

Perfect Dark is perhaps the most notable addition to the Switch Online Expansion Pack lineup. The classic first-person shooter game is a spiritual successor to the beloved GoldenEye 007 and is one of the highest-rated games ever released for the Nintendo 64. The Switch Online version will see the addition of online multiplayer, though it will lack matchmaking, like other N64 Switch Online games. Still, it’s great to see Perfect Dark join the Switch Online lineup, especially since the IP is owned by Microsoft.

Microsoft has worked with Nintendo to bring multiple Rare-developed Nintendo 64 games to the Switch Online service, like the aforementioned GoldenEye 007 and Blast Corps. There are still notable Rare games that have yet to debut on Switch Online, but there’s always hope that they could be added down the road. Many fans would likely be happy to see games like Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo-Tooie, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day join the lineup, after all.

Nintendo Switch – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle

This Nintendo Switch console bundle brings together Nintendo’s flagship system and one of the most popular racing games on the planet: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Additionally, the bundle includes a 3-month membership to Nintendo Switch Online, which allows players to game online against other players around the globe.

Players can game on a large TV or in handheld mode with this versatile gaming system. Nintendo’s famously exclusive franchises, such as the Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and Mario games are all available to play with the Switch!