Nintendo 64 Switch Online games are official! Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, along with some new wireless controllers to match, are all on the way. Nintendo announced this as part of yesterday’s Direct presentation. Alongside the official reveal of the new Kirby and the Forgotten Land, more details on Splatoon 3, and our first good look at Bayonetta 3 gameplay, Nintendo officially announced the upcoming inclusion of both N64 and Genesis to its online Switch service. Those games will also be supported by some not-so-affordable new wireless SEGA Genesis and Nintendo 64 controllers that seem only to be available to Switch Online subscribers — much like the already available Super Nintendo and NES variants. However, it sounds like these titles will only be available as part of a new and likely more expensive Switch Online membership tier. More details below.
New N64 and Genesis Switch controllers
(Update 10/26 11:05a.m.): The new Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis wireless controllers are now up for pre-order from Nintendo at $49.99. Login to your Nintendo account to purchase. “Begins Shipping October 25, 2021”
(Update 10/11 1:19p.m.): We have a quick update from the Nintendo UK Twitter feed today regarding the upcoming N64 and Genesis content for Switch Online. While US gamers might not be all that concerned here, it sounds like most N64 games on the service will be available in both original European PAL versions with all titles available to be played via a 60Hz English language version as well:
All Nintendo 64 games included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can be played in 60Hz English language versions. Select games will also have the option to play the original European PAL version with language options.
Before we dive into the Genesis and Nintendo 64 Switch Online games, let’s detail the new controllers. Much like the SNES and NES versions, Nintendo is releasing new wireless controllers modeled after classic N64 and Genesis gamepads to support the new influx of Switch Online titles. While the Nintendo 64 variant seems like an obvious move here, seeing a Genesis controller wrapped in a Nintendo-branded box feels like a real win for gamers everywhere. Once mortal enemies during the 90s, SEGA’s titles are already available on the eShop and are headed to Switch Online next month. And now Nintendo is even selling a SEGA controller to its subscribers. Times have changed.
There are no official release dates for either gamepad just yet, but we are expecting them to arrive this fall or, at least, in time for the holiday season. Both controllers carry pricey $50 price tags, well over the price of the $20 Retro-Bit Genesis Switch Controller.
SEGA Genesis and Nintendo 64 Switch Online games
Now on to the SEGA Genesis and Nintendo 64 Switch Online games. As part of an exciting new upgrade to Switch Online, Nintendo will soon be adding some amazing N64 titles and Genesis games to the service. It will, however, likely cost you more to access them. Switch Online currently goes for $3.99 per month or $20 per year and includes access to the entire NES and SNES classic game lineup. Nintendo has hinted at an upcoming tier that will be required for the Genesis and Nintendo 64 Switch Online games. This more than likely means your subscription fee is about to go up, but Nintendo hasn’t mentioned any details on the actual numbers here. The existing tiers will remain, while Nintendo will offer an upgrade path for existing Switch Online users.
In the meantime, we do have a list of the first games expected to hit the service, starting next month. Beyond these initial games, Nintendo has already said there are even more coming thereafter, including Majora’s Mask, F-Zero 64, Mario Golf, and more.
Nintendo 64 Switch Online games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Super Mario 64
- Mario Kart 64
- Starfox 64
- Yoshi’s Story
- Mario Tennis
- Dr. Mario 64
- Sin and Punishment
- WinBack: Covert Operations
SEGA Genesis Switch Online games:
- Castlevania Bloodlines
- Golden Axe
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Strider
- Eco the Dolphin
- Gunstar Heroes
- Musha
- Phantasy Star IV
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Shinobi III
- Sonic 2
- Streets of Rage
9to5Toys’ Take:
Only time will tell just how difficult it is to actually get our hands on those pricey controllers, never mind what the new Switch Online tier will look like. While the $20 per year price tag on the existing service has always seemed fair to me personally, it’s gonna be a tough pill to swallow to have to dish out more cash just to access the soon-to-be enhanced service we thought we were already paying for. As exciting as it is to get these Genesis and Nintendo 64 Switch Online games, let’s just hope Nintendo doesn’t gouge us at checkout to get them.
For more of the latest details from Nintendo’s latest Direct presentation, head over to last night’s coverage. Then go jump into the new eShop Blockbuster game sale and visit our recent piece on the new Bluetooth audio features for Switch consoles
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