The rumours are true: Nintendo will be bringing Nintendo 64 games to the Nintendo Switch.
Announced this morning, Friday, 24 September, in a surprise Nintendo Direct update, the Japanese gaming giant confirmed what many insiders and commentators have been speculating on for months.
With no specific date given, Nintendo announced that in October, N64 games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, and Banjo Kazooie would soon be coming to their latest generation console.
The announcement marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking console that pioneered the use of 3D gaming. The N64 was the most popular games console of its generation, cementing Nintendo as a household name and spawning the following decades of nostalgia titles that Nintendo has continued to capitalise upon.
Here’s everything you need to know about the update.
Nintendo 64 on Switch
As we thought, the N64 is getting a next-generation update. The company announced that eight titles will initially be available, with the company supporting the update with the release of further titles down the line.
Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Starfox 64, Yoshi’s Story, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Win Back: Covert Operation, Mario Tennis, and Dr Mario 64 are all titles that will be included in the initial update.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, Mario Golf, Pokemon Snap, F-Zero X, Kirby: The Crystal Shards, Paper Mario, and Banjo Kazooie are all set to be released in the coming months.
The update is also going to be supported by a dedicated controller for the N64 games which is a replica of the classic and bizarre three-handled control used for the N64. The control will be wireless and is sold separately and is thought to cost around $69.99 for the Australian market.
The games will only be available on the Nintendo Switch Online store, a fact that may frustrate some fans. Nintendo plans to host the games as part of a subscription service called the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
This service will be in addition to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that many players already pay for, although the company has not stated how much the extra service will cost.
Sega Genesis on Switch
In a surprise update, Nintendo also announced the launch of Sega Genesis games for the Switch. Although the company does not own Sega, they do have the rights to many of their games and will be releasing several of the classic consoles games as part of the subscription.
The subscription will launch with 14 titles for the Sega Genesis including Castlevania: Bloodlines: Ecco The Dolphin, Golden Axe, Gunstar Heroes, Fantasy Star IV, and Sonic 2.
The expansion for the Sega Genesis will be included in the N64 bundle and will be supported by a dedicated Sega Genesis controller which is also expected to cost $69.99.
Nintendo Direct Games
As with all Nintendo Direct announcements, the company updated fans on which new games will be coming to the Switch.
An update to Monster Hunter Rise is coming in the form of DLC Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. The game will provide new locations, monsters, storylines, and abilities for the game with the expansion is slated for a mid-2022 release.
In a big win for Mario Party fans, the game is being given an overhaul in Mario Party Superstars. The Super Mario Party game for the Nintedo Switch was something of a disappointment to fans of the long-running series, incorporating just four maps and with a limited play style. This new update will offer a range of new boards to play on, including five from the wildly popular N64-era games. The sequel is set for a 29 October release.
There is also new DLC coming for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, the prequel to the massively popular Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The update, called ‘Wave 2: Guardian of Remembrance, expands on the already available Wave 1 DLC, bringing new characters, new arenas, and new storylines to the game. While we didn’t get any more info on the Breath of the Wild sequel that Nintendo is working on, this update should tide fans over until we do.
Interestingly, there is a new Kirby game coming soon, Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The little pink blob is one of the companies most enduring figures and the new game sees Kirby take on a new challenge in a free-roam 3D world. The new game is set for an early 2022 release.
The lockdown game of 2020, Animal Crossing, is getting a new free-content update which Nintendo teased in the latest direct. The game will get its own dedicated Nintendo Direct announcement in October, so expect big things to come here.
Finally, there was no new information about the long-awaited final character to be added to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game. Nintendo has said that the identity of the last character will be released on 10 October in a special announcement.
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