When Nintendo 64 games came toNintendo Switch Onlinein 2021, it fulfilled a dream many gamers were holding on to since the service first introduced classic NES games. The N64 was home to many groundbreaking titles, and the thought of having those games on the go seemed nothing short of extraordinary. Even asNintendo Switch Onlinereceived a price increase in the form of the Expansion Pack tier, many gamers were just happy to have access to classic games that were previously difficult to come by, and that the roster of available games could greatly expand in time.
Now in early 2023, however, those dreams of an expansive N64 catalog on Switch have mostly been unrealized. While there have been welcome surprises likeBanjo-KazooieandGoldenEye 007, there are only twenty-two games available, nine of which debuted with the catalog. The N64 had a treasure trove of essential games across first-party and third-party releases, and it seems like wasted potential to not leverage that legacy. It would help makeNintendo Switch Online + Expansion Packworth its higher price tag, and it would vindicate fans who waited so long to play their favorite N64 titles on the Switch.
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First-Party N64 Games Not On The Switch
When it came to the N64, Nintendo demonstrated an ability to adapt and innovate like few other gaming companies before. Games likeSuper Mario 64andThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timepioneered 3D platformers and adventure games respectively, and are still regarded as some of the best games ever made. With that said, it’s a mystery why Nintendo has left so many of its stellar first-party titles off of the Switch’s N64 catalog. The N64 marked a time of great creativity and expansion among video game developers, and Nintendo’s first-party titles are the perfect encapsulation of this.
Perhaps one of the most important N64 games that still isn’t on the Switch is the originalSuper Smash Bros.The platform fighter captivated gamers in the N64 era by allowing them to finally seewho would win in a fight between Mario, Pikachu, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong. Though very rudimentary by today’s standards,Super Smash Bros.is an essential game from the N64 catalog that could thrive on the Switch. As is the case with many classic games on the Switch, online play could giveSuper Smash Bros.a whole new life among gamers young and old.
Two more games that were pivotal to the N64’s legacy areDonkey Kong 64andDiddy Kong Racing, massively creative ventures that demonstrated the capabilities of the console. One of many classic 3D platformers developed by Rare,Donkey Kong 64allowed players to explore expansive worlds as five different Kongs. InDiddy Kong Racing, gamers were treated to many similar mechanics toMario Kart 64, but with greater vehicle variety and more complex courses. Nintendo has already shown it’s willing to bring Rare-developed titles to the N64 catalog, and these two would be welcome additions.
Third-Party Games Not On The Switch
It’s no secret that Nintendo has never made it easy for third-party developers to bring games to its consoles. Whether it’s the motion controls and limited graphical capabilities of the Wii or the miniDVD optical discs of theGameCube, Nintendo has always limited itself with its own hardware decisions. The N64 was no exception, as Nintendo continued to used game cartridges instead of the CDs used by the PlayStation. This meant third-party developers often had to get creative when bringing games to the N64, but the console was responsible for some memorable titles nonetheless.
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One third-party game that stood out among the rest on the N64 wasWWF No Mercy. This title from publisher THQ and developer AKI is still cited as one of the best wrestling games ever made. With its simple yet satisfying gameplay and entertaining presentation,WWF No Mercyleft a distinctive mark on many N64 owners. Adding it to the Switch’s N64 catalog would surely turn a lot of heads and provide some much-needed variety to a lineup that consists of eight differentMariotitles. It could also serve as a nice throwback for wrestling fans who picked up therecently releasedWWE 2K23.
For gamers more interested in flying through a galaxy far, far away, addingStar Wars: Rogue Squadronto the Switch’s N64 catalog would be a dream come true. Still regarded as one of thebestStar Warsgames of all time,Rogue Squadrongave many gamers their first taste of what it’s like to pilot an X-Wing and take down the Empire firsthand. Considering many otherStar Warsgames from the N64 era have received remasters in recent years, the addition ofRogue Squadronon the Switch would give gamers the chance to fully experience what many consider a golden age forStar Warsgaming.
Nintendo Can’t Abandon The N64 Catalog
As Nintendo makes a slight pivot towardadding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games on the Switch, there are some questions as to what’s next for the N64 catalog. While games likeMario Party 3and bothPokemon Stadiumtitles are set to arrive sometime soon, there aren’t any explicit plans for the future. After so much anticipation from fans and the potential of delving deep into the Nintendo 64’s list of releases, it would be a disservice to the classic console if Nintendo didn’t give it more opportunities to shine on the Switch.
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