Nintendo Classics
{{Short description|Line of classic Nintendo video games}}
{{About|the emulated games service|the Game Boy Advance series|List of Classic NES Series games|the NES marketing label|Classic Series (NES)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox VG Online Service
| logo =
| logo_size =
| developer = Nintendo
| type = Classic video game re-release distribution
| released = {{Ubli
| Switch: September 19, 2018
| Switch 2: June 5, 2025
}}
| platform = {{hlist
}}
| status = Active
| website = {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/}}
}}
Nintendo Classics{{efn-lr|Formerly known only as "Nintendo Switch Online classic game libraries"; the service was rebranded as "Nintendo Classics" on April 2, 2025.{{cite web | title=What's new with Nintendo Switch Online on Nintendo Switch 2? | website=Nintendo | date=April 2, 2025 | url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2025/April/What-s-new-with-Nintendo-Switch-Online-on-Nintendo-Switch-2-2785954.html | access-date=April 7, 2025}}}} is a line of emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch family of systems and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC). At the more expensive subscription tier, titled "Expansion Pack", players can also access Nintendo 64 (N64), Sega Genesis (GEN), and Game Boy Advance (GBA) games, with GameCube (GCN) exclusively available on Nintendo Switch 2. Each console's library is accessed through a dedicated app, with the Nintendo 64 library having a second app for games rated Z by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization or M by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
During its first year, Nintendo Classics provided a new batch of NES games on a monthly basis. As of the addition of SNES titles in September 2019, releases are no longer regularly scheduled.{{cite web|last=Knezevic|first=Kevin|date=September 6, 2019|title=Switch Won't Be Adding New NES And SNES Games In Monthly Batches Anymore|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-wont-be-adding-new-nes-and-snes-games-in-mo/1100-6469688/|access-date=September 6, 2019|work=GameSpot}} In October 2021, Nintendo added a subscription tier called "Expansion Pack" which includes access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. In February 2023, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were added to the base subscription tier, and Game Boy Advance (GBA) games were added to the Expansion Pack. GameCube games will also be playable only on Nintendo Switch 2, and are set to launch on the service alongside that system in June 2025. Games are accessible as long as the user has an active subscription, and a user must connect to the internet at least once a week to continue to access services while offline.
The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends.{{cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=September 23, 2021 |title=Nintendo Switch Online is getting an 'expansion pack' with N64 and Genesis games |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/23/22688780/nintendo-switch-online-expansion-pack-64-sega-genesis-controllers |accessdate=September 23, 2021 |work=The Verge}}{{cite web|last=Schreier|first=Jason|date=May 1, 2017|title=Nintendo Switch's Online Service Will Be $20/Year, Includes Classic Games [UPDATE]|url=http://kotaku.com/nintendo-details-switch-online-service-will-be-20-yea-1795743981|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602110956/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-details-switch-online-service-will-be-20-yea-1795743981|archive-date=June 2, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2017|website=Kotaku|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Schreier|first=Jason|date=June 1, 2017|title=Nintendo Switch's Online Service Will Be $20/Year, Includes Classic Games|url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-details-switch-online-service-will-be-20-yea-1795743981|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602110956/http://kotaku.com/nintendo-details-switch-online-service-will-be-20-yea-1795743981|archive-date=June 2, 2017|access-date=June 2, 2017|website=Kotaku|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Saed|first=Sharif|date=June 2, 2017|title=No more just one free game you can only play for a month: Nintendo changes its online service's free game scheme|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/06/02/no-more-just-one-free-game-you-can-only-play-for-a-month-nintendo-changes-its-online-services-free-game-scheme/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602120036/http://www.vg247.com/2017/06/02/no-more-just-one-free-game-you-can-only-play-for-a-month-nintendo-changes-its-online-services-free-game-scheme/|archive-date=June 2, 2017|access-date=June 2, 2017|website=VG247|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Stevens|first=Colin|date=September 17, 2018|title=Nintendo Switch Online: Nes Games Can Be Played Offline For Up To Seven Days|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/17/nintendo-switch-online-nes-games-can-be-played-offline-for-up-to-seven-days|access-date=September 17, 2018|work=IGN}} The emulators also support save states, with most consoles also allowing players to rewind gameplay.{{cite web | last=Wood | first=Rhys | title=Nintendo Switch Online lacks N64 Controller Pak support, so hackers added it | website=TechRadar | date=January 31, 2022 | url=https://www.techradar.com/news/nintendo-switch-online-lacks-n64-controller-pak-support-so-hackers-added-it | access-date=April 7, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Lawler | first=Richard | title=Nintendo Switch Online adds a 'rewind' button to NES games next week | website=Engadget | date=July 10, 2019 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-07-09-rewind-nintendo-switch-online.html | access-date=April 7, 2025}} Some NES and SNES games also have an alternative version labeled "SP" ("Extra" in some regions) which alters the game in some way, typically unlocking additional modes, starting the player with additional items or levels, or starting the player midway through the game.
Nintendo Classics features numerous titles that were not available on Nintendo's Virtual Console. Some games saw their first re-release in any form since their original debut including Pro Wrestling,{{cite web |url=https://retronauts.com/article/958/pro-wrestling-returns-as-nintendo-launches-its-online-service |title=Pro Wrestling returns as Nintendo launches its online service |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |website=Retronauts |date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2020}} Vice: Project Doom{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-onlines-free-nes-games-for-august-available/1100-6469286/ |title=Switch Online's Free NES Games For August Available Now |last=Knezevic |first=Kevin |work=GameSpot |date=August 23, 2019 |access-date=January 28, 2020}} and Pilotwings 64.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/61764/pilotwings-64-lands-in-switch-online-expansion-pack-october-13|title=Pilotwings 64 Lands In Switch Online Expansion Pack October 13 - News|website=Nintendo World Report}} The Nintendo Classics service marks the first release in North America for some games, such as Pop'n TwinBee, Smash Tennis and Mario's Super Picross.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/next-nintendo-switch-online-nes-and-snes-games-include-popn-twinbee-and-smash-tennis/|title=New Nintendo Switch Online NES & SNES Games Arrive on February 19th|date=February 12, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/marios-super-picross-diddys-kong-quest-coming-to-ninte-1845070931/amp|title=Mario's Super Picross, Diddy's Kong Quest Coming To Nintendo Switch Online|website=kotaku.com|date=September 16, 2020 }}
Standard subscription
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 300
| image1 = NES-Console-Set.jpg
| image2 = Game-Boy-FL.jpg
| image3 = SNES-Mod1-Console-Set.jpg
| image4 = Nintendo-Game-Boy-Color-FL.jpg
| footer = Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can access games for the NES, Game Boy (top row), Super NES, and Game Boy Color (bottom row).
}}
= Nintendo Entertainment System =
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service on September 19, 2018, NES games were made available with 20 titles available at launch. {{As of|2024|12|12|df=US}}, there are 90{{efn|79 games in North America and PAL regions, 12 of which are exclusive to these regions; 78 games in Japan, 11 of which are exclusive to these regions.}} games and 20 "SP" variations available, including the following:
{{Legend|#FFFFE0|"SP" game}}
{{notelist}}
= Super Nintendo Entertainment System =
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 4, 2019, SNES games were added to the service worldwide with 20 titles on September 5, 2019.{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=2019-09-04 |title=SNES games coming to Nintendo Switch Online |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850054/nintendo-switch-online-snes-games-controller-nintendo-direct |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420115109/https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850054/nintendo-switch-online-snes-games-controller-nintendo-direct |archive-date=2025-04-20 |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=Polygon}} They are available in a separate app from NES games. {{As of|2025|03|28|df=US}}, there are 81{{efn|73 games in North America and PAL regions, 13 of which are exclusive to these regions; 68 games in Japan, 8 of which are exclusive to these regions.}} games and seven "SP" variations available, including the following:
{{Legend|#FFFFE0|"SP" game}}{{notelist}}
= Game Boy and Game Boy Color =
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were added to the service worldwide with 10 games the same day.{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Nintendo Switch Online Adding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-online-game-boy-games |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}} The Game Boy emulator includes multiple display settings that recreate the visual appearance and color palettes of the original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, or Game Boy Color.{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-switch-online-game-boy-tetris-mario-zelda-224822629.html | title=Nintendo is adding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games to Switch Online today | date=February 8, 2023 }} Super Game Boy features are not emulated. {{As of|2025|3|6|df=US}}, there are 37{{efn|35 games in North America and PAL regions, 2 of which are exclusive to these regions; 35 games in Japan, 2 of which are exclusive to these regions.}} games available, including the following:
{{notelist}}
Expansion Pack
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Nintendo-64-wController-L.jpg
| image2 = Sega-Genesis-Mk2-6button.jpg
| image3 = Nintendo-Game-Boy-Advance-Purple-FL.jpg
| image4 = GameCube-Set.jpg
| footer = Subscribers to the premium "Expansion Pack" tier have access to games for the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis (top row), Game Boy Advance, and GameCube (bottom row).
}}
= Nintendo 64 =
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Nintendo 64 games were added to the service worldwide with nine titles on October 25, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/you-ll-have-to-pay-more-than-double-for-switch-online-i-1847871994 |title=You'll Have To Pay More Than Double For Switch Online If You Want N64 Games |last=Notis |first=Ari |work=Kotaku |date=October 15, 2021 |access-date=October 16, 2021}} Games are based on the NTSC releases using 60 Hz timing; select games also have the option to play the European versions which run at their original PAL 50 Hz speed, including those that support multiple languages.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-europe-confirms-switchs-n64-games-will-run-at-faster-60hz/ | title = Nintendo Europe confirms Switch's N64 games will run at faster 60hz | first = Andy | last= Robinson | date = October 11, 2021 | accessdate =October 11, 2021 | work = Video Games Chronicle }} Games that received a Z rating from the Japanese CERO rating board or an M rating from the ESRB are available as part of a separate "18+" application in Japan or "Mature 17+" application in western regions.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/11/nintendo-is-launching-an-18plus-n64-switch-online-app-in-japan|title=Nintendo Is Launching An 18+ N64 Switch Online App In Japan|last=Norman|first=Jim|website=NintendoLife|date=November 22, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}} When played on Nintendo Switch 2, users have the ability to remap each game's button controls, as well as rewind gameplay.{{cite web | last=Doolan | first=Liam | title=Surprise! The N64 App Is Also Getting Some Enhancements On Switch 2 | website=Nintendo Life | date=April 4, 2025 | url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/04/surprise-the-n64-app-is-also-getting-some-enhancements-on-switch-2 | access-date=April 7, 2025}} {{As of|2025|01|31|df=US}}, there are 40{{efn|38 games in North America and PAL regions, six of which are exclusive to these regions; 34 games in Japan, two of which are exclusive to these regions.}} games available, including the following:
{{notelist}}
= Sega Genesis / Mega Drive =
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Sega Genesis games were added to the service worldwide with 15 titles on October 25, 2021. {{As of|2025|04|11|df=US}}, there are 51{{efn|50 games in North America and PAL regions, one of which is exclusive to these regions; 50 games in Japan, one of which is exclusive to these regions.}} games available, including the following:
=== Game Boy Advance ===
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy Advance games were added to the service worldwide with six titles the same day. {{As of|2025|04|22|df=US}}, there are 27{{efn|25 games in North America and PAL regions, none of which are exclusive to these regions; 27 games in Japan, two of which are exclusive to these regions.}} games available, including the following:
{{notelist}}
=== GameCube ===
Announced in the Nintendo Direct for Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube games are set to be added to the service, with the first three games being added alongside the Nintendo Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025. GameCube games are only available on Nintendo Switch 2.{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2025-04-02 |title=GameCube Games Confirmed For Nintendo Switch Online On Switch 2 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/04/gamecube-games-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch-online-on-switch-2 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} The emulator allows players to reassign buttons and customize controls for each game.{{cite web | last=Takahashi | first=Dean | title=Nintendo will add GameCube library of classic games to Switch 2 | website=VentureBeat | date=April 2, 2025 | url=https://venturebeat.com/game-development/nintendo-will-add-gamecube-library-of-classic-games-to-switch-2/ | access-date=April 2, 2025}} Players will also be able to control the games using original GameCube controllers via the GameCube Controller Adapter.{{cite web | last=Doolan | first=Liam | title=Nintendo Confirms Switch Controllers Are Compatible With "Switch 2 Exclusive Games" | website=Nintendo Life | date=April 4, 2025 | url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/04/nintendo-confirms-switch-controllers-are-compatible-with-switch-2-exclusive-games | access-date=April 7, 2025}}
class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of GameCube games on Nintendo Switch Online !Release Date !Game !Publisher(s) !NA/PAL !JP |
rowspan="3" |June 5, 2025
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
{{sort|Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker|The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker}}
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Soulcalibur II
|Bandai Namco Entertainment |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
rowspan="7" |{{abbr|TBA|To be announced}}{{cite web | last=Robinson | first=Andy | title=GameCube is officially coming to Switch Online, exclusively for Switch 2 | website=VGC | date=April 2, 2025 | url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/gamecube-is-officially-coming-to-switch-online-exclusively-for-switch-2/ | access-date=April 2, 2025}}
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Luigi's Mansion
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Pokémon Colosseum
|Nintendo{{efn|name=PokeCom|Published by The Pokémon Company in Japan}} |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
|Nintendo{{efn|name=PokeCom}} |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Super Mario Strikers
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
Super Mario Sunshine
|Nintendo |{{ya}} |{{ya}} |
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
{{notelist-lr}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/}}
{{Nintendo Switch}}
Category:Game Boy Advance emulators
Category:Nintendo 64 emulators
Category:Nintendo Entertainment System emulators
Category:Online video game services
Category:Sega Genesis emulators
Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System emulators