Nintendo Switch Online hasn’t been exactly the most warmly received online subscription service since its introduction. Nintendo seems to want to change that soon.

Nintendo Switch Online expansion pack details.
Well, I suppose this means more money for Nintendo, eh?

Nintendo is officially announcing their new expansion pack for Nintendo Switch Online. This will be an add-on to the existing online subscription service that requires additional payment. Yes, you actually need to par for this expansion pack on top of your Nintendo Switch Online fees to enjoy its services. No, they are not telling us how much it will cost. Not yet, at any rate.

The release date is also a bit vague. As you can see above, the plans for this expansion pack to Nintendo Switch Online call for a late October release. It doesn’t get any more specific than that, but it’s all we’re getting for now until Nintendo gives us better info later.

Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack: Details

Nintendo Switch Online N64 games.
Ah, so this is what it took for Nintendo to bring back those old games.

So what is this expansion pack for Nintendo Switch Online giving us for the money we’ll have to pay for it? Well, apparently, Nintendo is giving us a massive list of old school games with this expansion pack. The list of retro games include popular Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. Here’s a list of those games revealed so far:

Nintendo 64:

  • Super Mario 64
  • Mario Kart 64
  • Starfox 64
  • Yoshi’s Story
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • WinBack
  • Mario Tennis
  • Dr Mario 64
  • Sin and Punishment 
Nintendo Switch Online Sega Genesis games.
Ah, more classics to enjoy.

Sega Genesis:

  • Castlevania Bloodlines
  • Contra Hard Corps
  • Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
  • Ecco the Dolphin
  • Golden Axe
  • Gunstar Heroes
  • Musha
  • Phantasy Star 4
  • Ristar
  • Shining Force
  • Shinobi 3
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • Streets of Rage 2
  • Strider 

Nintendo also apparently plans to add more N64 games to Nintendo Switch Online in the near future, according to GamesRadar+. The list of games include The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, F-Zero X, Mario Golf, Pokemon Snap, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, and Banjo-Kazooie. Tune in later to see when they’ll actually arrive.

Wireless N64 controller and Sega Genesis control pad.
$50 for a controller?! No, thanks.

In addition to those games, Nintendo Switch Online members will also be able to purchase wireless Nintendo 64 controllers and Sega Genesis. These are modern reproductions of those classic controllers, just made wireless for the Switch. However, you need to already be a NSO member just to unlock the ability to purchase them. Moreover, each controller costs $49.99, as you can see above. They’re not cheap. If you want them that badly though, be prepared to shell out quite a bit of cash.

Conclusion

Nintendo is planning on releasing an expansion pack to Nintendo Switch Online sometime in late October 2021. The expansion pack will give subscribers access to a whole bunch of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. Plus, subscribers can also buy a wireless version of the N64 and Genesis controllers for a whopping $50 each to play the games “the way were meant to be played”. This expansion pack too will cost you a separate charge on top of your existing NSO subscription. Not sure if it’s worth it in the end, but hey, if you like those classic games, go for it.

Source: Nintendo, GamesRadar+