Nintendo Classics
Line of classic Nintendo video games From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nintendo Classics[i] is a line of emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch family of systems and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC). At the more expensive subscription tier, titled "Expansion Pack", players can also access Nintendo 64 (N64), Sega Genesis (GEN), and Game Boy Advance (GBA) games, with GameCube (GCN) exclusively available on Nintendo Switch 2. Each console's library is accessed through a dedicated app, with the Nintendo 64 library having a second app for games rated Z by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization or M by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.
| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Classic video game re-release distribution |
| Launch date |
|
| Platform(s) | |
| Status | Active |
| Website | Official website |
During its first year, Nintendo Classics provided a new batch of NES games on a monthly basis. As of the addition of SNES titles in September 2019, releases are no longer regularly scheduled.[2] In October 2021, Nintendo added a subscription tier called "Expansion Pack" which includes access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. In February 2023, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were added to the base subscription tier, and Game Boy Advance (GBA) games were added to the Expansion Pack. GameCube games will also be playable only on Nintendo Switch 2, and are set to launch on the service alongside that system in June 2025.[3] Games are accessible as long as the user has an active subscription, and a user must connect to the internet at least once a week to continue to access services while offline.
The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends.[4][5][6][7][8] The emulators also support save states, with most consoles also allowing players to rewind gameplay.[9][10] Some NES and SNES games also have an alternative version labeled "SP" ("Extra" in some regions) which alters the game in some way, typically unlocking additional modes, starting the player with additional items or levels, or starting the player midway through the game.
Nintendo Classics features numerous titles that were not available on Nintendo's Virtual Console. Some games saw their first re-release in any form since their original debut including Pro Wrestling,[11] Vice: Project Doom[12] and Pilotwings 64.[13] The Nintendo Classics service marks the first release in North America for some games, such as Pop'n TwinBee, Smash Tennis and Mario's Super Picross.[14][15]
Standard subscription
Summarize
Perspective
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can access games for the NES, Game Boy (top row), Super NES, and Game Boy Color (bottom row).
Nintendo Entertainment System
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service on September 19, 2018, NES games were made available with 20 titles available at launch. As of December 12, 2024[update], there are 90[a] games and 20 "SP" variations available, including the following:
| Release date | Game | Publisher(s) | NA/PAL | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2018[16] | Balloon Fight | Nintendo |  |
|
| Baseball | Nintendo | |
| |
| Donkey Kong | Nintendo | |
| |
| Double Dragon | Arc System Works | |
| |
| Dr. Mario | Nintendo | |
| |
| Excitebike | Nintendo | |
| |
| Ghosts 'n Goblins | Capcom | |
| |
| Gradius | Konami | |
| |
| Ice Climber | Nintendo | |
| |
| Ice Hockey[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| The Legend of Zelda[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mario Bros. | Nintendo | |
| |
| Pro Wrestling[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| River City Ransom | Arc System Works | |
| |
| Soccer | Nintendo | |
| |
| Super Mario Bros. | Nintendo | |
| |
| Super Mario Bros. 3 | Nintendo | |
| |
| Tecmo Bowl | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Tennis | Nintendo | |
| |
| Yoshi | Nintendo | |
| |
| October 10, 2018[17][18] | The Legend of Zelda SP | Nintendo | |
|
| NES Open Tournament Golf | Nintendo | |
| |
| Solomon's Key | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Super Dodge Ball | Arc System Works | |
| |
| November 14, 2018[19][20] | Gradius SP (Stage 5) | Konami | |
|
| Metroid[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mighty Bomb Jack | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| NES Open Tournament Golf SP | Nintendo |  |
| |
| TwinBee | Konami | |
| |
| December 12, 2018[21][22] | Adventures of Lolo (NA) | HAL Laboratory | |
|
| Adventures of Lolo (JP) | HAL Laboratory | |
| |
| Dr. Mario SP | Nintendo | |
| |
| Metroid SP (Ridley battle) | Nintendo | |
| |
| Ninja Gaiden | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Wario's Woods | Nintendo | |
| |
| January 16, 2019[23][24] | Blaster Master | Sunsoft | |
|
| Ghosts'n Goblins SP | Capcom | |
| |
| Joy Mech Fight | Nintendo | [c] |
| |
| Ninja Gaiden SP | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| February 13, 2019[25][26] | Blaster Master SP | Sunsoft | |
|
| Kirby's Adventure | Nintendo | |
| |
| Metroid SP (Mother Brain battle) | Nintendo | |
| |
| Super Mario Bros. 2 | Nintendo | |
| |
| Tsuppari Ōzumō | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| March 13, 2019[27][28] | Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light | Nintendo | [d] |
|
| Kid Icarus[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Kirby's Adventure SP | Nintendo | |
| |
| StarTropics | Nintendo | |
| |
| Yie Ar Kung-Fu | Konami | |
| |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link SP | Nintendo | |
| |
| April 10, 2019[29] | Kid Icarus SP | Nintendo | |
|
| Punch-Out!! | Nintendo | |
| |
| Star Soldier | Konami | |
| |
| Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels[e] | Nintendo | |
| |
| May 15, 2019[30] | Clu Clu Land | Nintendo | |
|
| Clu Clu Land: Welcome to New Cluclu Land[f] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Donkey Kong Jr. | Nintendo | |
| |
| Star Soldier SP | Konami | |
| |
| Vs. Excitebike[e] | Nintendo | |
| |
| June 12, 2019[31] | City Connection | City Connection | |
|
| Double Dragon II: The Revenge | Arc System Works | |
| |
| TwinBee SP | Konami | |
| |
| Volleyball[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| July 17, 2019[32] | Donkey Kong 3 | Nintendo | |
|
| Mighty Bomb Jack SP | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Wrecking Crew | Nintendo | |
| |
| August 21, 2019[33] | Downtown Nekketsu March: Super-Awesome Field Day! | Arc System Works | [c] |
|
| Gradius SP (Second loop) | Konami | |
| |
| Kung Fu Heroes | Culture Brain | |
| |
| Vice: Project Doom | Sega | |
[g] | |
| December 12, 2019[34] | Crystalis | SNK | |
[h] |
| Famicom Wars | Nintendo | |
| |
| Journey to Silius | Sunsoft | |
[i] | |
| Route-16 Turbo | Sunsoft | |
| |
| February 19, 2020[35] | Eliminator Boat Duel | Piko Interactive | |
|
| The Mystery of Atlantis | Sunsoft | [j] |
| |
| Shadow of the Ninja | Natsume Inc. | |
| |
| April 20, 2020[36] | Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light SP (Medeus Battle) | Nintendo | |
|
| Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light SP (Triangle Attack) | Nintendo | |
| |
| May 20, 2020[37] | Rygar | Koei Tecmo | |
|
| July 15, 2020[38] | The Immortal | Piko Interactive | |
|
| September 23, 2020[39] | S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team | Natsume Inc. | |
|
| December 18, 2020[40] | Nightshade | Piko Interactive | |
|
| Smash Ping Pong[e] | Nintendo | |
| |
| February 17, 2021[41] | Fire 'n Ice | Koei Tecmo | |
|
| May 26, 2021[42] | Ninja JaJaMaru-kun | City Connection | |
|
| July 28, 2021[43] | Super Mario Bros. 3 SP | Nintendo | |
|
| February 9, 2022[44] | EarthBound Beginnings | Nintendo | |
|
| March 30, 2022[45][46] | Dig Dug II | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
|
| Mappy-Land | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
| |
| May 26, 2022[47] | Pinball | Nintendo | |
|
| July 21, 2022[48] | Daiva Story 6: Imperial of Nirsartia | D4 Enterprise | |
|
| March 15, 2023[49] | Xevious | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
|
| June 5, 2023[50] | Mystery Tower | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
|
| October 31, 2023[51] | Devil World | Nintendo | |
|
| The Mysterious Murasame Castle[e] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Ninja JaJaMaru-kun SP | City Connection | |
| |
| February 21, 2024[52] | R.C. Pro-Am | Xbox Game Studios | |
|
| Snake Rattle 'n' Roll | Xbox Game Studios | |
| |
| July 4, 2024[53] | Cobra Triangle | Xbox Game Studios | |
|
| Donkey Kong Jr. Math | Nintendo | |
| |
| Famicom Mukashibanashi: Shin Onigashima[e] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Golf | Nintendo | |
| |
| Gomoku Narabe Renju | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mach Rider | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mahjong | Nintendo | |
| |
| Solar Jetman | Xbox Game Studios | |
| |
| Urban Champion | Nintendo | |
| |
| December 12, 2024[54] | Tetris | Nintendo | |
|
"SP" game
- The Family Computer Disk System version was released in Japan
- A Family Computer Disk System game
- A Family Computer Disk System port of the arcade edition titled Vs. Clu Clu Land
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 4, 2019, SNES games were added to the service worldwide with 20 titles on September 5, 2019.[55] They are available in a separate app from NES games. As of March 28, 2025[update], there are 81[a] games and seven "SP" variations available, including the following:
"SP" game
- Published by Tonkin House in Japan
- Panel de Pon was internationally released as Tetris Attack in 1996. This marks the first time the original game gets a worldwide release.[57]
- Originally exclusive to Japan, but was eventually released in Western regions on April 12, 2024[59]
- Originally exclusive to Japan, but was eventually released in Western regions on September 18, 2024[60]
- Published by Marvelous in Japan
- Originally exclusive to Western regions, but was eventually released in Japan on April 12, 2024[63]
Game Boy and Game Boy Color
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were added to the service worldwide with 10 games the same day.[66] The Game Boy emulator includes multiple display settings that recreate the visual appearance and color palettes of the original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, or Game Boy Color.[67] Super Game Boy features are not emulated. As of March 6, 2025[update], there are 37[a] games available, including the following:
| Release date | Game | Publisher(s) | Platform | NA/PAL | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 8, 2023[66] | Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare | THQ Nordic | GBC | |
|
| Game & Watch Gallery 3 | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| Gargoyle's Quest | Capcom | GB | |
| |
| Kirby's Dream Land | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| Metroid II: Return of Samus | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| Tetris | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| Wario Land 3 | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| Yakuman | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| March 15, 2023[49] | BurgerTime Deluxe | G-Mode | GB | |
|
| Kirby's Dream Land 2 | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| June 5, 2023[50] | Blaster Master: Enemy Below | Sunsoft | GBC | |
|
| Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| July 27, 2023[68] | The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages | Nintendo | GBC | |
|
| The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| August 8, 2023[69] | Pokémon Trading Card Game | Nintendo | GBC | |
|
| September 6, 2023[70] | Quest for Camelot | Nintendo | GBC | |
|
| October 31, 2023[51] | Castlevania Legends | Konami | GB | |
|
| March 12, 2024[71] | Dr. Mario | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| Mario Golf | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| Mario Tennis | Nintendo | GBC | |
| |
| May 15, 2024[72] | Alleyway | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| Baseball | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| Super Mario Land | Nintendo | GB | |
| |
| June 7, 2024[73] | Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge | Capcom | GB | |
|
| Mega Man II | Capcom | GB | |
| |
| Mega Man III | Capcom | GB | |
| |
| Mega Man IV | Capcom | GB | |
| |
| Mega Man V | Capcom | GB | |
| |
| November 22, 2024[74] | Donkey Kong Land | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| November 26, 2024[75] | Donkey Kong Land 2 | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| December 4, 2024[76] | Donkey Kong Land III | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| GBC | |
| |||
| December 12, 2024[77] | Tetris DX | Nintendo | GBC | |
|
| March 7, 2025[78] | Donkey Kong | Nintendo | GB | |
|
| Mario's Picross | Nintendo | GB | |
|
Expansion Pack
Summarize
Perspective
Subscribers to the premium "Expansion Pack" tier have access to games for the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis (top row), Game Boy Advance, and GameCube (bottom row).
Nintendo 64
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021,[4] Nintendo 64 games were added to the service worldwide with nine titles on October 25, 2021.[79] Games are based on the NTSC releases using 60 Hz timing; select games also have the option to play the European versions which run at their original PAL 50 Hz speed, including those that support multiple languages.[80] Games that received a Z rating from the Japanese CERO rating board or an M rating from the ESRB are available as part of a separate "18+" application in Japan or "Mature 17+" application in western regions.[81] When played on Nintendo Switch 2, users have the ability to remap each game's button controls, as well as rewind gameplay.[82] As of January 31, 2025[update], there are 40[a] games available, including the following:
| Release date | Game | Publisher(s) | NA/PAL | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2021[79] | Dr. Mario 64 | Nintendo | |
|
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mario Kart 64 | Nintendo | |
| |
| Mario Tennis | Nintendo | |
| |
| Sin and Punishment | Nintendo | |
| |
| Star Fox 64[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| Super Mario 64[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| WinBack[b] | Koei Tecmo | |
| |
| Yoshi's Story[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| December 10, 2021[83] | Paper Mario[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| January 20, 2022[84] | Banjo-Kazooie[b] | Xbox Game Studios | |
|
| February 25, 2022[85] | The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| March 11, 2022[86] | F-Zero X | Nintendo | |
|
| April 15, 2022[87] | Mario Golf | Nintendo | |
|
| May 20, 2022[88] | Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards | Nintendo | |
|
| June 24, 2022[89] | Pokémon Snap[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| July 15, 2022[90][91] | Custom Robo | Nintendo | |
|
| Custom Robo V2 | Nintendo | |
| |
| Pokémon Puzzle League[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| August 19, 2022[92] | Wave Race 64[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| October 13, 2022[93] | Pilotwings 64[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| November 2, 2022[94] | Mario Party[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| Mario Party 2[b] | Nintendo | |
| |
| January 27, 2023[95] | GoldenEye 007[c] | Nintendo | |
[d] |
| April 12, 2023[96] | Pokémon Stadium[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| August 8, 2023[69] | Pokémon Stadium 2[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| August 30, 2023[97] | Excitebike 64 | Nintendo | |
|
| October 27, 2023[98] | Mario Party 3[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| November 30, 2023[99] | Jet Force Gemini[b][c] | Xbox Game Studios | [e] |
|
| December 8, 2023[100] | 1080° Snowboarding[b] | Nintendo | |
|
| Harvest Moon 64 | Natsume Inc.[f] | |
| |
| February 21, 2024[52] | Blast Corps[b] | Xbox Game Studios | |
[g] |
| April 24, 2024[101] | Extreme-G | Throwback Entertainment | |
|
| Iggy's Reckin' Balls | Throwback Entertainment | |
| |
| June 18, 2024[102] | Perfect Dark[b][c][h] | Xbox Game Studios | |
|
| Turok: Dinosaur Hunter[b][c][h] | Nightdive Studios | |
[i] | |
| October 25, 2024[103] | Banjo-Tooie[b] | Xbox Game Studios | |
|
| October 29, 2024[104] | Shadow Man[b][h] | Nightdive Studios | |
|
| Turok 2: Seeds of Evil[b][c][h] | Nightdive Studios | |
[i] | |
| January 31, 2025[105] | Ridge Racer 64 | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
|
- Published by Marvelous in Japan
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Sega Genesis games were added to the service worldwide with 15 titles on October 25, 2021.[79] As of April 11, 2025[update], there are 51[a] games available, including the following:
Game Boy Advance
Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy Advance games were added to the service worldwide with six titles the same day.[66] As of April 22, 2025[update], there are 27[a] games available, including the following:
- Published by The Pokémon Company in Japan
GameCube
Announced in the Nintendo Direct for Nintendo Switch 2, GameCube games are set to be added to the service, with the first three games being added alongside the Nintendo Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025. GameCube games are only available on Nintendo Switch 2.[3] The emulator allows players to reassign buttons and customize controls for each game.[128] Players will also be able to control the games using original GameCube controllers via the GameCube Controller Adapter.[129]
| Release Date | Game | Publisher(s) | NA/PAL | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025[3] | F-Zero GX | Nintendo | |
|
| The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker | Nintendo | |
| |
| Soulcalibur II | Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
| |
| TBA[130] | Chibi-Robo! | Nintendo | |
|
| Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance | Nintendo | |
| |
| Luigi's Mansion | Nintendo | |
| |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Nintendo[a] | |
| |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Nintendo[a] | |
| |
| Super Mario Strikers | Nintendo | |
| |
| Super Mario Sunshine | Nintendo | |
|
See also
Notes
- Published by The Pokémon Company in Japan
- Formerly known only as "Nintendo Switch Online classic game libraries"; the service was rebranded as "Nintendo Classics" on April 2, 2025.[1]
References
External links
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