Nintendo has a wide variety of classic and retro games that span multiple platforms. With Nintendo Switch, NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online.
But what specific retro Nintendo titles are available from these platforms, and how can you play retro games on your Switch? Let's find out.
What Backwards Compatible Retro Games Does Nintendo Offer?
Your Nintendo Switch can emulate some of the most recognizable and notable retro Nintendo games ever made. All you need to start playing these games is a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and, for some platforms, the Expansion Pack.
But what retro games are available for the platforms available through Nintendo Switch Online? Here are some of the best games from each platform.
NES Titles You Can Play on Your Nintendo Switch
The NES marks the beginning of some of Nintendo's most beloved franchises. Here are some of the best NES titles you can play on your Switch:
- The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventures of Link.
- Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros.2, and Super Mario Bros.3.
- Metroid.
- Donkey Kong.
- Kirby's Adventure.
With titles like Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, you can experience the beginnings of some of the most notorious games of all time.
And if you're looking for more NES titles to play on your Switch, visit the Nintendo Store NES page for the complete list of every NES game available.
SNES Titles You Can Play on Your Nintendo Switch
As well as classic NES titles, the available SNES titles on your Switch continue to emulate some of Nintendo's most critically acclaimed and classic franchises.
Here are some of the best SNES titles you can play on your Nintendo Switch:
- Super Mario World, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, and Super Mario Kart.
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
- Donkey Kong Country.
- Super Metroid.
- Star Fox.
Just like available NES titles, the roster of games available for SNES on your Nintendo Switch is equally impressive.
But if you still want to see more SNES titles available on your Switch, the Nintendo Store SNES page lists every SNES game you can play on your Switch.
N64 Titles You Can Play on Your Nintendo Switch
N64 emulation on your Nintendo Switch requires a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack to play. However, the quality of the retro games available remains high. Here are some of the best N64 titles you can play on your Switch:
- Mario Kart 64 and Super Mario 64.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
- Star Fox 64.
- Yoshi's Story.
- Banjo-Kazooie.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Super Mario 64 represent some of the best games ever made. Unfortunately, they're locked behind the Expansion Pack, and you may need to know more details about the Nintendo Switch Expansion Pack before purchasing.
If you're contemplating upgrading your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the Nintendo Store N64 page lists every N64 title available through the service to help you decide.
Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Titles You Can Play on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Online also allows you to play retro handheld titles from the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance generation of Nintendo games.
While Game Boy Advance titles also require you to have the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, Game Boy titles are available with a standard account. Either way, there are great Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games available for Nintendo Switch, including:
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Game Boy).
- Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy).
- Metroid Fusion (Game Boy Advance).
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit (Game Boy Advance).
There are fewer available games for Game Boy and Game Boy Advance on your Switch, but Nintendo is adding more and more titles over time. And, just like other platforms, you can check the Nintendo Store Game Boy page and Nintendo Store Game Boy Advance page for every available game.
How to Play NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy Titles on Nintendo Switch
With some of the best retro titles available for your Switch outlined, here's how you can install and play them on your console:
Before attempting to play your chosen platform, you may want to look into the specifics of Nintendo Switch Online to ensure you have the correct account you need to play.
But with the correct Nintendo Switch Online account and your chosen retro platform installed, you're all set to start playing retro games on your Nintendo Switch.
Make the Most of Your Retro Nintendo Switch Experience
With the numerous retro gaming options available on your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Online enables you to play some of the most prolific and classic titles in gaming.
And better yet, your Nintendo Switch provides in-built features for each retro platform you can play. This makes the Nintendo Switch one of the best ways to experience classic Nintendo games for the first time.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3KnqysnZ%2Bbe6S7zGinpZmpYrumv4ynbW1ll5a6pr%2BMp6CnrJWjsbB50rCgrZuYZA%3D%3D