Prior to the September Nintendo Direct, gamers were anticipating the addition of classic Game Boy games like the first generation of Pokemon and Super Mario Land to Nintendo Switch Online, the Japanese developer’s version of an online premium service. Instead, it announced a new membership plan with a price hike called Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Along with this, Nintendo is adding a catalog of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles, which was an unexpected move. At launch, players can expect several Nintendo 64 games including, Dr. Mario 64, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. And later on, the service will bring Paper Mario, Pokemon Snap, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, and many more. Most of the Nintendo 64’s best titles are already making it to Nintendo Switch Online at some point, and it’s likely that Nintendo will add even more games beyond those. But here are a few more the developer should take into consideration.
RELATED: Original Super Smash Bros. Could Get New Life Through Switch Online
Donkey Kong 64
It’s a surprise to see Donkey Kong 64 left out of this list while other Nintendo characters such as Yoshi will be present at launch. Donkey Kong 64 was the first game in the series to receive 3D gameplay, and review scores from critics were universally high. At the time, it was quite ambitious for a Nintendo 64 title, praised for its length and size. However, it was also heavily criticized for its emphasis on item collection, for which developer Rare would become notorious. DK64 is also the birth of “DK Rap,” a song that was detested at the time but has since grown a strong legacy.
Hey You, Pikachu
Pokemon was always known for its handheld installments but has seen many spinoffs throughout its gaming journey, and the most popular of the Nintendo 64 era, Pokemon Snap, is already confirmed for Nintendo Switch Online. Hey You, Pikachu, on the other hand, saw more mixed reviews when it released in 1998 in Japan and 2000 in American regions. Still, it’s nostalgic for players and is more relaxing in comparison to other Pokemon installments. It required players to use a microphone accessory and speak to a wild Pikachu. It didn’t work that well at the time, but thanks to technological advances, the Switch’s microphone would pick up the player’s voice much more easily and make bonding with Pikachu more fun.
Harvest Moon 64
This wasn’t the game to kickstart the Harvest Moon series—now known as the Story of Seasons series—and inspire the creation of Stardew Valley and many other farming simulators, but it was well-received back in 1999. Like all other Story of Seasons games, players inherit an abandoned farm once owned by their grandfather. While restoring it and selling crops and animal products for money, players can also race horses, get married, and participate in town festivals. This game introduced some common elements now seen in all farming sims such as limited time and stamina given per day. While the genre may have been a hard sell back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, many gamers would likely give Harvest Moon 64 a go given how popular it is in 2021.
Banjo-Tooie
While its counterpart Banjo-Kazooie has been confirmed as a late addition to Nintendo Switch Online’s stock of retro titles, the sequel Banjo-Tooie was also a beloved game from that era. Following the same duo of protagonists, players must stop the witch known as Gruntilda and her two sisters via puzzle platforming. When it released back in 2000, it was met with positive reception from critics, with the lower end of the average being 7 out of 10 and the higher end 9 out of 10. While players can expect many of the same gameplay mechanics as Banjo-Kazooie, Tooie‘s worlds are vastly larger.
GoldenEye 007
Why Nintendo would leave out such a highly-rated game as GoldenEye 007 is a mystery, but perhaps it has something to do with licensing James Bond in modern day. Prior to its release, the gaming community was skeptical about GoldenEye 007; after all, video games based on feature films are rarely well-received. But it actually sold more copies than Ocarina of Time in 1998 with reviews to match. Critics praised the James Bond game for its animations, special effects, stealth gameplay, and freedom. Its spiritual successor Perfect Dark has also not been confirmed for Nintendo Switch Online, but retro players have been requesting both titles vehemently.
MORE: The Path Forward for Game Boy, GBA Games On Nintendo Switch is Now Clear
