Compared to other monthly online gaming services from Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo Switch Online is something of an outlier. Nintendo’s service is the cheapest of the bunch by far, starting at $4 a month or $20 a year, and has the unique benefit of giving you access to some of the most iconic games in Nintendo history.
The base Nintendo Switch Online subscription allows users to play a curated selection of Nintendo games from the NES, Super NES and Game Boy eras. If you spring for the $50 Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you’ll gain access to a sizable library of Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance games. All the games available are great for veteran gamers to reach into the past and play an old favorite or for newer fans to discover them for the first time.
However, the sheer amount of titles available may be overwhelming — especially for younger gamers — so we’ve picked out the absolute best Switch games from every classic console that’s available on your new Nintendo system.
Nintendo Switch Online allows gamers to play online multiplayer while giving you access to games from NES, Super Nintendo and Game Boy.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack comes with everything you get in the base subscription alongside access to added content for games such as?Mario Kart 7 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Most importantly, subscribers get access to Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance games as well.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Mario Bros. 3
Launched in the states two years after its 1988 Japanese release, Super Mario Bros. 3 stands as a pivotal masterpiece in gaming history. The highest selling 2D platformer of its era had an overworld map, new power-ups like the Raccoon Suit and incredibly diverse level design. It also helps that Super Mario Bros. 3 had a huge marketing machine behind it through the popular film “The Wizard” starring Fred Savage.
The Legend of Zelda
Released in 1986, the original Legend of Zelda is a revolutionary milestone in gaming. The action role-playing game pioneered open-world exploration, nonlinear gameplay and intricate puzzle solving. While its shiny gold cartridge and battery save system — which finally let you save your progress without relying on passwords — were cool at the time, what’s even more impressive is that the gameplay still holds up to newer iterations that have come decades later.
Punch-Out!!
Though this version of Punch-Out!! lacks the Mike Tyson license that propelled the game to exponential heights during the late ’80s, it’s still a landmark sports title with that classic Nintendo flair. Part single-player fighting game, part puzzler, the game required strategic timing and pattern recognition in defeating opponents. Punch-Out!! truly set a standard for other boxing games that would eventually come along.
Ninja Gaiden
The original Ninja Gaiden is known for its challenging difficulty and fast-paced action. However, its cinematic storytelling and narrative depth was uncommon for games at the time. Players with a high level of patience will have much to enjoy through precise combat and wild acrobatic platforming.
Kirby’s Adventure
Released a year after the first Kirby game in the series dropped on Game Boy, Kirby’s Adventure on NES was a swan song for the system as the Super Nintendo was around two years old. Pushing the console to its ultimate limits, it introduced one of the most signature abilities of the series through the Copy ability. Since then, that mechanic has defined the series going all the way up to recent titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
? Related: The best cozy games for unwinding and relaxing
Super Nintendo
Super Metroid
To this day, the introduction sequence to Super Metroid holds up against games that feature far higher visual fidelity. Beyond that is an action platformer that has all the makings of a classic. The atmospheric storytelling is matched with nonlinear exploration and intricate level design. The game’s emphasis on backtracking and upgrades helped create?the “Metroidvania” subgenre that still exists today.
Donkey Kong Country
A month before Sony would introduce the PlayStation, Nintendo proved its aging 16-bit gaming console could still compete visually through Donkey Kong Country. Its pre-rendered 3D visuals were considered groundbreaking at the time. Meanwhile, the tag-team mechanic between Donkey and Diddy Kong led to some of the greatest 2D platforming of its time.
Earthbound
Many role-playing games released prior to Earthbound focused heavily on medieval fantasy tropes. This unique RPG used quirky humor, modern-day settings and contemporary American influence to tell its sci-fi story. Earthbound (known as Mother 2 in Japan), also featured streamlined mechanics like visible enemies instead of random encounters and instant-win battles for lower-level foes.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past enhanced the exploration-driven design of its predecessors alongside setting new standards for open-world action. When it comes to complex gaming mechanics, the action RPG featured a concept of parallel worlds that added significant depth to gameplay. This ability to swap between the light and dark worlds is something future games in the series would explore to greater success.
Super Mario World
Showcasing the 16-bit power of the Super Nintendo as a launch title, Super Mario World managed to take every single aspect of previous Mario titles and push them even higher. The intricate level design and secret-filled overworld map were matched with vibrant visuals. Introducing Yoshi into the fold further pushed Mario’s repertoire of abilities as well.
Game Boy
Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble
Released in 2000 for the Game Boy Color, Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble holds significance in being one of the first games to use motion controls. Of course, Nintendo would bring this idea to the mainstream through the Wii, alongside developers of modern mobile games. The game has players navigating Kirby through levels by moving the actual console to collect stars and reach the end of the level in a specific amount of time. Kirby Tilt ’n’ Tumble is really a cool reminder of how smaller Nintendo projects can influence the entire gaming industry.
Tetris
There were already various versions of Tetris before arriving on Game Boy in 1989. However, the handheld version of the Alexey Pajitnov-developed game made Nintendo’s first portable console a must-have. Tetris on Game Boy also added a two-player mode into the mix where one player’s cleared blocks are added to their opponent’s for even tenser gameplay.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Despite the hardware limitations of the Game Boy, Nintendo managed to expand on every concept of Metroid in Metroid II: Return of Samus. The sequel featured enhancements that would lay the foundation for future games in the series including the Plasma Beam, Space Jump and Spring Ball. Unlike the first Metroid game, save modules around the planet of SR388 let you save progress without the need for a password system.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Oracle of Ages
Nintendo found themselves inspired by Pokémon by releasing two similar but different enough games in The Legend of Zelda series for Game Boy Color in 2001. In Oracle of Seasons, you use the Rod of Seasons to change the time of year to solve puzzles. The Harp of Ages allows Link to travel through time in the Oracle of Ages. Finishing both leads to a special quest and ending.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
While the original Super Mario Land took inspiration from the original NES Super Mario Bros. games, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins drew more from Super Mario World. This included an overworld hub, various ways to complete levels and the ability to save progression. Most importantly, the Game Boy sequel introduced the world to evil rival doppelg?nger Wario.
? Related: 5 great Nintendo Switch games for kids and families
Game Boy Advance
Metroid Fusion
Over the years since its release, Metroid Fusion has been considered one of the most approachable games in the Metroid series. One particular reason is the more objective-based gameplay that still manages to be open-ended in a way that’s very true to the franchise. Beyond new mechanics based around X Parasites, Fusion introduces new abilities for Samus such as ledge grabbing.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Alongside Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is considered the best Mario-based RPG. The game has a vibrant art style and some of the most hilarious dialogue the franchise has ever had. There’s also exploration and combat that cleverly makes use of both Mario and Luigi as they travel the Beanbean Kingdom to find Princess Peach’s voice.
Fire Emblem
Though Fire Emblem as a franchise had existed going all the way back to the original NES, American audiences were first treated to the series on Game Boy Advance in 2003. The tactical RPG introduced strategic battles, character-driven narratives and a high-stakes permadeath mechanic that’s become a series standard to new audiences.
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! features tiny games that get progressively faster with each compilation. These 213 bite-sized games have definitely influenced Nintendo’s approach to game design and increased focus on casual gaming.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Released a year after The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap had a similar visual look defined by bolder color usage and cartoony character design. This time, the action RPG focuses around the titular item that can shrink Link for various puzzle scenarios. There are also other gameplay-changing items, including one that can create multiple copies of Link.
Nintendo 64
Banjo-Kazooie
During the N64 era, developer Rare was known for creating games that matched Nintendo’s internally developed titles in both gameplay and visual quality. Banjo-Kazooie evolved the template that Super Mario 64 set when the console launched in 1996. Expansive worlds, intricate level design and quirky characters make this charming 3D adventure still worth playing today.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set the stage for all future 3D games in the franchise to follow. Instead of going the bigger and better route, its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, focuses on two specific features. One is a time cycle where Link has three days to complete quests and objectives before the moon crashes to Termina. Then there’s an expansive mask system that can change Link’s abilities.
Pokémon Snap
Pokémon Snap featured a novel concept of simply capturing classic creators in the franchise in their natural habitat. Considering how important Photo Modes are to many contemporary games, some could say that this game really helped push the trend. Besides taking photos, players could use various items to uncover hidden secrets or get Pokémon to interact with environments.
GoldenEye 007
One of the most important first-person shooters and console exclusives for its time, GoldenEye 007 also set the standard for video game adaptations based on films. Taking moments from the James Bond film, the solo campaign featured objective-based gameplay that was different from shooters of its time. Meanwhile, multiplayer — which you can finally play online in this Switch version — became a new standard for shooters to come.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 placed Mario in a 3D world when the game launched with the N64 console in 1996. Groundbreaking open-world design, fluid movement and camera control really pushed the era of 3D platformers. From the explorations to puzzle solving, Mario’s first 3D adventure still holds up today.
Sega Genesis
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 took the blueprint of the original and revved the series to new heights when released in 1992. Besides introducing cooperative play with Tails, the game added the iconic Spin Dash move that allowed players an instant burst of speed. This feeds into the imaginative level design and memorable boss battles.
Streets of Rage 2
The influence of Streets of Rage 2 on the beat-’em-up genre is still felt to this day. The combat mechanics were polished among its four playable characters, thanks to the addition of Blitz attacks and special attacks that inflicted huge damage in exchange for player health. Then there’s Yuzo Koshiro’s iconic soundtrack that’s worth checking out by itself.
Gunstar Heroes
The impact of Gunstar Heroes on the run-and-gun genre and sheer fun factor makes it one of the best action side-scrollers of all time. The fast-paced action and intricate gameplay mechanics — which feature an inventive weapon combination system — makes this more than a mindless shooter. It’s even more entertaining to play with a friend.
Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing
One of the best tactical RPGs available during the life span of the Sega Genesis, Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing has an engrossing narrative and strategic battles that require careful planning for the dozens of playable characters. This time around, there are new ways to promote and evolve your characters, and there’s a bit more freedom in exploring the world.
Comix Zone
There isn’t a more distinct action game in the Genesis catalog than Comix Zone. Players fill in the role of Sketch Turner, a comic book artist who gets trapped in his own comic book. The game features a unique visual style that actually emulates comic book panels alongside its incredibly challenging 2D action.
