Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (2024)

Table of Contents
Quick Links NES See Where It All Began With The Legend Of Zelda's Original Adventure Try To Become The King Of Kong In Donkey Kong Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels Is A True Test For Mario Fans Kirby's Adventure Was A Monumental Game In The Kirby Franchise Ninja Gaiden is a Rewarding-Yet-Challenging Sidescrolling Platformer Metroid Kicked Off A Legendary Series And Genre Sega Genesis Run Around At The Speed Of Sound As Sonic Or Tails In Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Shining Force II is a Must-Play for JRPG Fans Crusader Of Centy Is A Fantastic Zelda-Like Game ToeJam & Earl Is A Funkadelic Roguelike Phantasy Star IV Concludes The Single-Player Phantasy Star Franchise Contra: Hard Corps Was The First Game In The Run-And-Gun Series To Release For Sega Super Nintendo Donkey Kong Country Trilogy Introduces Players To The Donkey Kong We Know And Love Today Super Puyo Puyo 2 Is A Cute, Fun, And Legendary Tile-Matching Game Killer Instinct Is An Underrated Fighting Game That Competed With Mortal Kombat Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island Marks Yoshi's Solo Debut With A Beautiful Game Tend To The Farm In The Original Harvest Moon A Link to the Past is Still One of the Best Zelda Games Ever Made Nintendo 64 Duke It Out With Pokémon In The Pokémon Stadium Series Banjo-Kazooie Was Super Mario 64's Stiffest Competition Perfect Dark is Everything GoldenEye Sought to Be Makes Memories And Enemies With The Early Mario Party Games Many Still Consider The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time To Be The Greatest Game Ever Made F-Zero X Is A Visual And Destructive Spectacle On The N64 Game Boy/Game Boy Color The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages/Seasons Are Separate Games That Link Together Gargoyle's Quest Is A Villain-Led Spinoff Of Ghost 'N Goblins Explore An Old Format In Pokémon Trading Card Game Wario Land 3 Is, So Far, The Only Wario Land Game On Nintendo Switch Online Kirby's Dream Land 2 is Classic Kirby in His Purest Form Mario Golf Was An Impressive Addition To The Game Boy Color Game Boy Advance Metroid Fusion Is One Of Many Metroid Games Worth Revisiting The Super Mario Advance Series Is Some Of The Best Ways To Play Classic Mario Games Fire Emblem Finally Brought The Strategy Series Out West WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ Is Full Of Short And Intense Mini-Games Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is an Underrated Mario-themed RPG It's Tough To Find Better RPGs On The GBA Than The Golden Sun Series

Quick Links

  • NES

  • Sega Genesis

  • Super Nintendo

  • Nintendo 64

  • Game Boy/Game Boy Color

  • Game Boy Advance

Classic games on Nintendo Switch weren't initially what players were hoping for. Nintendo previously released classic games under the Virtual Console brand across the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, and players expected the same for the Switch. Nintendo's decision to tie classic games to an online service, similar to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, received considerable backlash since players wanted to buy games individually or even carry over past Virtual Console purchases. However, in the intervening years, Nintendo Switch Online has redeemed itself in most players' eyes.

Over five years later, Nintendo Switch Online has built up an amazing catalog of classic games from the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance. These classic games now feature pause, rewind, and save state features and the ability to play online with others. Whether revisiting classic games or playing them for the first time, Nintendo Switch Online has many must-play classic games. So, what are the best games on Nintendo Switch Online?

Updated on June 20, 2024, by Brett Cardaro: Nintendo’s June 2024 Direct introduced several exciting brand-new games for the Switch. However, it also announced some exciting classics coming to its Nintendo Switch Online service. This comes after Nintendo recently confirmed the existence of the Switch’s successor, making it likely that the next batch of titles will be announced for a new system. But even as Nintendo moves into the next generation, the classics available to play on NSO will never go out of style.

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NES

See Where It All Began With The Legend Of Zelda's Original Adventure

Release Year

1986 (Japan)/1987 (NA)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

8 Hours

One of the best parts about Nintendo Switch Online's catalog of classic games is the ability to experience the best Nintendo franchises from their humble origins. With The Legend of Zelda, players can see many of the franchise's elements that carry over to Tears of the Kingdom.

The original The Legend of Zelda is an open-ended game. Players are placed in the middle of a screen with no indication of where to go, relying solely on curiosity and a sense of adventure. Shigeru Miyamoto's ambitious bet paid off as The Legend of Zelda has become a mega-hit franchise that still produces Game of the Year contenders almost 40 years later.

Try To Become The King Of Kong In Donkey Kong

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (2)

Release Year

1983 (Japan)/1986 (NA)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

19 Minutes

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The original Donkey Kong is one of the most recognizable and influential video games ever. First released in arcades in 1981, Donkey Kong made its way to Famicom in Japan in 1983 and later to the international NES in 1986.

Since Donkey Kong's original release, it's become a pop culture icon with players still vying for the coveted score record, which has been the subject of The King of Kong documentary. The Donkey Kong sequels — Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3 — are also on Nintendo Switch Online for the NES. The original Donkey Kong will be a fun game to go back to once players play through the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake released in February 2024.

Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels Is A True Test For Mario Fans

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (4)

Release Year

1986 (Japan)/2007 (NA)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

3 Hours

Many franchises have badges of honors only its most dedicated fans can accomplish. Whether it's defeating super bosses in Final Fantasy or getting 100% in a Zelda game, most series have an obstacle that could yield bragging rights for life. For the Mario series, that tall mountain to climb is Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels.

In Japan, The Lost Levels is Super Mario Bros. 2, while the Super Mario Bros. 2 most are familiar with is a re-skin of another game in Doki Doki Panic. The Lost Levels is a brutally difficult game with design choices that even Super Mario Maker troll level creators would find dastardly. Thankfully, Nintendo Switch Online's save state and rewind feature make The Lost Levels much more manageable. Even so, completing The Lost Levels remains a very difficult task every Mario fan should at least attempt.

Kirby's Adventure Was A Monumental Game In The Kirby Franchise

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (5)

Release Year

1993

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

3.5 Hours

Kirby's Dreamland was the original Kirby game, but it was limited due to its release on the Game Boy. A year later, Nintendo quickly brought the new Kirby franchise to the NES. In the process, Nintendo gave Kirby his most iconic ability to date: the copy ability.

Kirby's well-known ability to inhale enemies, swallow them, and transform based on that enemy originated in Kirby's Adventure. This feature gave players added replayability while increasing the difficulty. The copy ability has since become a hallmark of the Kirby series. Of course, Kirby's Adventure is a great game in its own right. Sadly, however, its GBA remake Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland still isn't on Nintendo Switch Online.

Ninja Gaiden is a Rewarding-Yet-Challenging Sidescrolling Platformer

Release Year

1988

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

3.5 Hours

Ninja Gaiden has become a multimedia franchise that is a well-known name in the gaming industry, with Ryu Hayabusa being practically a household name among gaming enthusiasts. However, its first entry on the NES is still under-appreciated. Ninja Gaiden is a sidescrolling platformer/action game that stands out from the pack due to its gorgeous pixel art, acrobatic ninja skills, and catchy music.

Like many games of its era, Ninja Gaiden is known for its extremely high difficulty level, making the completion of even one Act feel like the highest of achievements. This gives it an almost rogue-like feel, as players will often be forced to die at least a few times to learn a stage. Aside from its challenging yet addictive gameplay, Ninja Gaiden is honored with being the first console game to have cinematic cut scenes, showing just how well-rounded a game it was.

Metroid Kicked Off A Legendary Series And Genre

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (6)

Release Year

1986

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

6 Hours

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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Reveals Gameplay in Brand-New Trailer

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Metroid was a groundbreaking game in numerous ways. It ushered in what would later be known as the Metroidvania genre, a 2D platforming genre where players explore and background through large interconnected levels. Also, its endgame reveals that the bounty hunter Samus Aran is a woman was monumental, as female-led games were next to unheard of in gaming up until that point, much less in an action game.

Metroid can be a tough game today, even for Metroid Dread veterans. Thankfully, there are multiple SP versions of Metroid. One provides Samus with all gear upgrades and places her at the Ridley boss fight. The other gives her all power-ups.

Sega Genesis

Run Around At The Speed Of Sound As Sonic Or Tails In Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Release Year

1992

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

2.5 Hours

Sonic on a Nintendo console? It's a concept that once felt absurd, but it became a reality once Sega left the console business. Since then, Sega and Nintendo have had a close partnership, with former professional rivals Sonic and Mario appearing alongside each other in multiple games.

The flagship game in the Sonic franchise is Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which introduced Tails as a co-op partner. Players can play Sonic 2 in co-op online thanks to Nintendo Switch Online's multiplayer features. Whether revisiting the Sonic franchise or experiencing it for the first time after the fantastic Sonic movies, Sonic 2 is a must-play.

Shining Force II is a Must-Play for JRPG Fans

Release Year

1993

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

39 - 55 hours

Shining Force II is an underrated gem for the Sega Genesis. It's easily one of the best RPGs on a system with no shortage of such excellent genre titles. SF2 is a unique mixture of classic RPG exploration and leveling with tactical combat. The result is a best-of-both-worlds situation that isn't quite as complex as other tactical RPGs but still has much of what fans love about the genre.

Shining Force II is often considered one of the greatest RPGs overall and the best in the Shining series. It's a must-play for any JRPG fan, or anyone just looking for an enjoyable, nostalgic RPG on NSO to sink a good amount of hours into.

Crusader Of Centy Is A Fantastic Zelda-Like Game

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (9)

Release Year

1994

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

8 Hour

Crusader of Centy is perhaps Sega's most blatant attempt to emulate the successful The Legend of Zelda formula. But that doesn't mean it's a cheap cash-in. Crusader of Centy is a fantastic game that holds its own, even when compared to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

While Crusader of Centy appeared on the Sega Genesis Mini 2, it's amazing to have it on Nintendo Switch Online. The physical version of Crusader of Centy is seen as a collector's item thanks to its poor North American sales. The price of a complete-on-box copy of the game can easily reach over $2,000.

ToeJam & Earl Is A Funkadelic Roguelike

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (10)

Release Year

1991

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

3.5 Hours

Few video games are as synonymous with the Sega Genesis as ToeJam & Earl. ToeJam & Earl is a funky action game that tells the tale of alien rappers who find themselves crash-landed on Earth. Players can control either ToeJam or Earl, alone or in co-op, as they search for the missing parts of their wreckage.

ToeJam & Earl was widely praised for its humor and soundtrack and, despite mediocre sales, has become a cult classic. One reason for this critical success is ToeJam & Earl was one of the earliest examples of a roguelike game on consoles.

Phantasy Star IV Concludes The Single-Player Phantasy Star Franchise

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (11)

Release Year

1993 (Japan)/1995 (NA)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

21 Hours

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Phantasy Star has become one of the leading champions of online RPG franchises. The free-to-play MMORPG Phantasy Star Online series has proven to be a huge success, but the franchise wasn't always an online series. The Phantasy Star series had its humble origins as a standard turn-based RPG series on SEGA consoles.

Its final entry, Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium, is now available on Nintendo Switch Online. Phantasy Star IV is a great example of a game that wasn't received highly at the time, but has seen a steadily improved reception in the 30 years since, with many claiming it to be one of the all-time best RPGs. Thankfully, previous Phantasy Star games aren't necessary to play to enjoy Phantasy Star IV.

Contra: Hard Corps Was The First Game In The Run-And-Gun Series To Release For Sega

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (13)

Release Year

1994

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

1.5 Hours

The Contra series boasts some of the most intense arcade shooting experiences in gaming. It took seven years before the Contra series made its way to a Sega console after enjoying success both in the arcade and on Nintendo consoles, but the wait was worth it.

Contra: Hard Corps takes place after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars and sees Colonel Bahamut attempting to use a stolen alien cell in order to produce devastating weapons. Contra: Hard Corps features a fun co-op mode and a plot with branching storylines that lead to multiple endings. Whether playing alone or with a partner, Contra: Hard Corps has plenty of replayability despite its relatively short playtime.

Super Nintendo

Donkey Kong Country Trilogy Introduces Players To The Donkey Kong We Know And Love Today

Release Year

1994 (Donkey Kong Country), 1995 (Donkey Kong Country 2), and 1996 (Donkey Kong Country 3)

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

4 Hours (Donkey Kong Country), 5 Hours (Donkey Kong Country 2), and 4.5 Hours (Donkey Kong Country 3)

Donkey Kong Country is a much more heroic take on the banana-loving character. On top of the old arcade Donkey Kong games, all three SNES Donkey Kong Country games are available as well. Fortunately, Donkey Kong Country is available on the platform. It was developed by Rare, which is now under the Microsoft umbrella.

It would've been a tough sell for Nintendo to not have Donkey Kong represented in Nintendo Switch Online. Luckily for fans, there are plenty of Donkey Kong games to be found even if Donkey Kong 64 is still sadly absent.

Super Puyo Puyo 2 Is A Cute, Fun, And Legendary Tile-Matching Game

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (14)

Release Year

1995 (Japan)/2019 (NA)

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

1.5 Hours

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No matter how much gaming technology advances, no matter how lifelike visuals get, and no matter how complex game mechanics get, one thing remains true: players still love tile-matching puzzle games. From Tetris all the way to Suika Game, players have always found enjoyment in the genre.

One of the best tile-matching games ever is Super Puyo Puyo 2. Puyos are little slimeball creatures that fuse with other similar-colored Puyos. Connecting four or more in any direction will cause them to explode, clearing the field of play. The objective of Super Puyo Puyo 2 is to defeat each opponent by putting them in difficult situations by efficiently managing one's own field of play. The big caveat to Super Puyo Puyo 2 is that it's still left untranslated from the Japanese version, but it's a minor barrier to overcome for an incredibly fun game.

Killer Instinct Is An Underrated Fighting Game That Competed With Mortal Kombat

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (16)

Release Year

1995

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

1 Hour

With how controversial Mortal Kombat was in the 1990s, it's impressive that any video game developer wanted to emulate it. Rare did just that with Killer Instinct, which featured a diverse cast of characters, impressive at-the-time visuals, and lots of blood.

Killer Instinct did a handful of things that separate it from its contemporaries of the day. Fighters had multiple health bars as opposed to the traditional round format. It also had an automated combo feature and its famed c-c-c-combo breaker. Killer Instinct, even now, may still be under the shadow of franchises like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, but its original outing deserves to be mentioned among the best fighting games ever made.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island Marks Yoshi's Solo Debut With A Beautiful Game

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (17)

Release Year

1995

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

8 Hours

After his iconic and at times tragic debut in Super Mario World, Yoshi quickly received his first solo game in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. While debates over whether Yoshi's Island is truly a Mario game rages on, it's still well worth a play for any Mario fan.

Yoshi's Island is a fun and inventive game, which sees players trying to protect Baby Mario along his journey to rescue Mario's brother, Luigi. The first thing players notice when playing Yoshi's Island is its stunning visuals. It's aged incredibly well, making it still one of the most visually striking games out there.

Tend To The Farm In The Original Harvest Moon

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (18)

Release Year

1996 (Japan)/1997 (NA)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

24 Hours

1996's Harvest Moon is the first game in what is now known as the Story of Seasons franchise. When it was released in the twilight years of the SNES, Harvest Moon ushered in the popular farming simulation genre, which has continued to see frequent releases such as the Animal Crossing franchise and Stardew Valley.

Harvest Moon features a familiar setup where the player inherits a farm from their grandfather. The player must nurse the farm back to form by scheduling their workload each day. Players must balance their management of vegetables and livestock to ensure both flourish.

A Link to the Past is Still One of the Best Zelda Games Ever Made

Release Year

1991

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

16 Hours

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While Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild are incredible games in their own right, it's impossible to discount the impact of 2D Zelda games like A Link to the Past. Even as the recently announced Echoes of Wisdom promises to bring back the top-down Zelda franchise for the first time in ten years, there are still plenty of reasons to return to the game that had arguably the biggest impact, A Link to the Past.

Released in 1991, A Link to the Past's gameplay formula was extremely influential for the action-adventure genre, spawning a steady stream of Zelda-likes that still crop up today. There's a reason the ALTTP format developed so many clones — it’s extremely addictive. Even after over 30 years, ALTTP remains just as fun to play as it was then. Considering the Zelda franchise is still releasing new 2D Zeldas in 2024, there's even more evidence for the Super Nintendo title's timelessness.

Nintendo 64

Duke It Out With Pokémon In The Pokémon Stadium Series

Release Year

1999 (Pokémon Stadium) & 2000 (Pokémon Stadium 2)

Multiplayer?

4 Players

HowLongToBeat

11 Hours (Pokémon Stadium) & 19 Hours (Pokémon Stadium 2)

Pokémon Stadium was an early showcase for Pokémon's potential in 3D. Pokémon Stadium doesn't have an RPG component like the mainline Pokémon games and its later successor Pokémon Colosseum, but it still features the strategic nature of Pokémon battles coupled with an enthusiastic announcer.

In Pokémon Stadium, players can rent out just about any first generation Pokémon and battle their way through trainers, Gym leaders, the Elite Four, and the Pokémon League Champion. Pokémon Stadium is a fun game to play with friends, locally or online, in classic Pokémon battles or one of Pokémon Stadium's many mini-games. Pokémon Stadium 2 is also available on Nintendo Switch Online, letting players explore even more Pokémon types.

Banjo-Kazooie Was Super Mario 64's Stiffest Competition

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (20)

Release Year

1998

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

11 Hours

Super Mario 64 ushered in a new era of gaming. By almost perfecting the 3D platformer right from the jump, Super Mario 64 was in a class all of its own. Other games had come along to compete, but few if any were as good as Rare's Banjo-Kazooie.

Banjo-Kazooie stars the loveable bear and bird duo as they try to save Banjo's sister from the clutches of the wicked witch Gruntilda. Banjo-Kazooie features large worlds full of collectibles, as well as comical writing and a very catchy soundtrack. Sadly, its sequel Banjo-Tooie is not on Nintendo Switch Online, but the original is an impressive and fun title for all fans of platformers.

Perfect Dark is Everything GoldenEye Sought to Be

Release Year

2000

Multiplayer?

4 Players

HowLongToBeat

13 Hours

Perfect Dark is a classic N64 FPS that expanded on everything GoldenEye 007 introduced into the genre. After the team's successes with GoldenEye, Rare created Perfect Dark in an improved version of the same engine as their previous FPS hit, while giving it a unique setting, darker tone, and interesting new gameplay elements that help it stand out from other entries in the genre.

While it invites comparison to 007 because of their similarities, Perfect Dark is truly its own animal. A big reason is its story and setting, which aren't based on any preexisting IP. Perfect Dark was arguably the best game on the N64 released in 2000, and certainly one of the best the system ever had to offer. Players who can't quite get into GoldenEye because of how it shows its age may very well find more to love in Perfect Dark.

Makes Memories And Enemies With The Early Mario Party Games

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (21)

Release Year

1998 (Mario Party), 1999 (Mario Party 2), and 2000 (Mario Party 3)

Multiplayer?

4 Players

HowLongToBeat

9 Hours (Mario Party), 7 Hours (Mario Party 2), and 8.5 Hours (Mario Party 3)

The Mario series has always been a staple for party games, which is a big reason why Mario has remained relevant all these years. Regardless of the makeup of a group, there will almost always be a Mario game that fits the mood. Few Mario games have made more memories and enemies than the Mario Party series.

The Mario Party series contains fun minigames and a board game format that encourages alliances and backstabbing. Nintendo Switch Online includes the first three Mario Party games, which were all released for the N64, so there are plenty of boards and minigames to entertain future get-togethers, whether locally or online.

Many Still Consider The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time To Be The Greatest Game Ever Made

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (22)

Release Year

1998

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

27 Hours

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a must-play, even for fans who have played it before. Few games have received the praise and accolades critics and fans heaped on Ocarina of Time. It's near the top of many critics' lists of the greatest video games of all time, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch Online games.

With The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom now firmly among the all-time great Zelda games, pulling in many first-time Zelda players in the process, it's worthwhile to go back and experience some of the legendary Zelda games from the past. What better place to start than the game many Zelda fans consider the pinnacle of the Zelda series?

F-Zero X Is A Visual And Destructive Spectacle On The N64

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (23)

Release Year

1998

Multiplayer?

4 Players

HowLongToBeat

5 Hours

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F-Zero series has been steadily making a comeback after F-Zero 99 reintroduced players to the futuristic racing series that was the origin of Captain Falcon — currently of Super Smash Bros. fame. While a new F-Zero game continues to be out of reach, Nintendo Switch Online has multiple F-Zero games, including F-Zero X for the N64 and F-Zero Maximum Velocity for the GBA.

F-Zero X is the first F-Zero game with 3D visuals and the first to allow vehicular combat. F-Zero is a tough series to play with a steep learning curve, but it's incredibly satisfying to master. F-Zero X is still a fun game from a casual standpoint, as it includes multiplayer with modes that include Death Race and the X Cup, which randomizes tracks for a single Cup of races.

Game Boy/Game Boy Color

The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages/Seasons Are Separate Games That Link Together

Release Year

2001

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

17 Hours (Oracle of Ages) & 15.5 Hours (Oracle of Seasons)

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons was the second handheld entry in the Zelda series. What makes these Oracle games so interesting is how well they complement each other.

Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons each tell different stories, yet those stories are still connected. Upon completing one game, players receive a code to use for the other game, which allows them to see the true ending of the interconnected games. On top of that, Oracle of Ages is more puzzle-focused, while Oracle of Seasons is more action-focused.

Gargoyle's Quest Is A Villain-Led Spinoff Of Ghost 'N Goblins

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (25)

Release Year

1990

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

3 Hours

Centering a story from the perspective of a villain is hardly a new concept in storytelling. However, to this day, it's still a rarity in gaming. Gargoyle's Quest was one of the first games to explore this concept. A spinoff of the Ghost 'n Goblins series, it stars Firebrand — a member of the Red Arremer species fought throughout Ghost 'n Goblins.

Firebrand must fulfill his destiny of taking on the Red Blaze mantle to protect the Ghoul Ream from the returning conquering force of the Destroyers. Along the way, Firebrand receives upgrades and new abilities to aid him on his quest. Gargoyle's Quest features tough platforming sections and over-the-top exploration, which includes random battle encounters. Not to be forgotten, Firebrand later became a playable character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Explore An Old Format In Pokémon Trading Card Game

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (26)

Release Year

1998 (Japan)/2000 (NA)

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

10.5 Hours

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Nintendo wasted no time producing a video game adaptation of the trading card game at the center of the Pokémon pop culture phenomenon. Pokémon Trading Card Game was originally released in 1998 in Japan and worldwide in 2000.

Pokémon Trading Card Game contains cards from the first three Pokémon TCG sets alongside a few new cards. Pokémon Trading Card Game is structured similarly to the Pokémon RPG series, except it replaces traditional Pokémon battles with the Pokémon TCG. While the Pokémon TCG has grown well beyond its humble beginnings, the Pokémon Trading Card Game is a great way to play one of the franchise's oldest formats.

Wario Land 3 Is, So Far, The Only Wario Land Game On Nintendo Switch Online

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (28)

Release Year

2000

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

10 Hours

While Mario gets much of the attention, especially after The Super Mario Bros. Movie dominated the box office, Nintendo isn't shy about giving other characters lead roles in games. One of the most notable is the greedy Wario, who helmed a series of handheld Wario Land games.

Wario Land 3 is, to date, the only Wario Land game on Nintendo Switch Online. The platforming Wario Land series has been well-received, though, and provides players with some of the best 2D platforming action from the Game Boy and GBA.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 is Classic Kirby in His Purest Form

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (29)

Release Year

1995

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

2.5 Hours

Kirby's Dream Land 2 was the third entry in the Kirby franchise, and easily an upgrade from the original Dream Land. It expanded on the concepts introduced by both of its predecessors, tightening up gameplay and leading to an incredible experience that fit into an on-the-go package for the GameBoy Color.

While Kirby's Dream Land 2 is somewhat bogged down by its difficulty (the developers were likely still getting used to adjusting to the newly introduced Copy ability), it's still a fun time. Kirby's controls are still as crisp and responsive as ever, and discovering how Kirby's Copy Abilities will change according to whichever Animal Friend Kirby is riding at any given time keeps things interesting.

Mario Golf Was An Impressive Addition To The Game Boy Color

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (30)

Release Year

1999

Multiplayer?

2 Players

HowLongToBeat

13 Hours

1999 was a good year for the Mario Golf series. It was finally able to take off with not one but two games released in 1999, with the Game Boy Color Mario Golf releasing just over a month after the N64 version.

Both 1999 Mario Golf games are available on Nintendo Switch Online and both are great in their own ways. The GBC version features similar gameplay to its N64 counterpart with the added benefit of being playable on the go. Of course, both versions are now available on the go thanks to the Switch, but the GBC Mario Golf is still fun to play nonetheless. The N64 and GBC versions of Mario Tennis are both also on Nintendo Switch Online, too!

Game Boy Advance

Metroid Fusion Is One Of Many Metroid Games Worth Revisiting

Release Year

2002

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

5 Hours

The Metroid series is back and better than ever with the phenomenal Metroid Dread, a remaster of Metroid Prime, and the new Metroid Prime on the way. Metroid Dread is the fifth mainline 2D Metroid game and the first since 2002's Metroid Fusion for the GBA, which is now on Nintendo Switch Online. In Metroid Fusion, Samus combats shapeshifting parasites on a derelict space station.

Metroid Fusion isn't the only Metroid game available on Nintendo Switch Online, since the original three Metroids are also on the platform. Players introduced to Metroid through Metroid Dread or Metroid Prime remastered can go back and start the franchise from the beginning.

The Super Mario Advance Series Is Some Of The Best Ways To Play Classic Mario Games

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (31)

Release Year

2001 (Advance, Advance 2), 2002 (Advance 3), and 2003 (Advance 4)

Multiplayer?

4 Players (Mario Bros. Classic)

HowLongToBeat

4 Hours (Advance), 5 Hours (Advance 2), 10 Hours (Advance 3), and 6 Hours (Advance 4)

The original Super Mario Bros. games are so important to Nintendo history that it'd feel wrong if there wasn't a means to play them on every Nintendo system. For the GBA, this comes in the form of the Super Mario Advance series made up of Super Mario Bros. Advance: Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World, Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3.

Except for Super Mario Advance 3, each of these games is based on their Super Mario All-Stars remakes and, for the most part, remain the best way to play these games. Super Mario Advance 4 also includes all the e-Reader levels, giving players more content in one of the best Mario games ever. Each Super Mario Advance game also includes an updated version of the original Mario Bros. multiplayer arcade game as well, now titled Mario Bros. Classic.

Fire Emblem Finally Brought The Strategy Series Out West

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (32)

Release Year

2003

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

26.5 Hours

Related

10 Most Popular Fire Emblem Characters, Ranked

With more than 15 installments, Fire Emblem has introduced plenty of memorable characters over the years, but who among them stands out as the best?

2003's Fire Emblem, known in full as Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade, marked a new era for the strategic Fire Emblem franchise. While The Blazing Blade is the seventh entry in the Fire Emblem franchise, which began in 1990, it's the first Fire Emblem to be released outside of Japan. This is thanks to Fire Emblem's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Melee, which increased interest in localization in the West.

The Blazing Blade features the highly popular character Lyn in her debut game. Lyn is joined by Eliwood, Sain, Hector, Serra, and others as they search for Eliwood's missing father and answers to Lyn's family origins.

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ Is Full Of Short And Intense Mini-Games

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (34)

Release Year

2003

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

2 Hours

While Wario Land has been long on the back burner, that doesn't mean Wario hasn't been getting his own games. For the past 20 years, Wario has been keeping players occupied with the WarioWare series.

WarioWare games contain a series of short minigames, or "microgames," that test players' observation and reaction times. Players will jump from microgame to microgame to complete each in a strict time limit. The first of these WarioWare games, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$, received overwhelming praise for its innovative and easy-to-pick-up play. WarioWare is a perfect fit for the Switch. Players who often take their Switch out and about can find a great time-waster in WarioWare.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is an Underrated Mario-themed RPG

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (35)

Release Year

2003

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

18 Hours

June 2024's Nintendo Direct showed off a lot of promising games, but for many fans, the most exciting was the title the presentation opened with — Mario & Luigi: Brothership. With Brothership being a spiritual successor to the original Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, the timing couldn't be better for fans to try out the original GBA classic on NSO.

Superstar Saga wears its RPG leanings on its sleeve, but its interesting platforming mechanics are constant reminders that players are still playing a Mario game. Players must use Mario and Luigi creatively to traverse the game's overworld, making exploration feel almost like a puzzle in and of itself. It's a unique concept that would only work in a Mario title, and Mario couldn't do it without Luigi's help.

It's Tough To Find Better RPGs On The GBA Than The Golden Sun Series

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (36)

Release Year

2001 (Golden Sun) & 2002 (The Lost Age)

Multiplayer?

No

HowLongToBeat

22 Hours (Golden Sun) & 31.5 Hours (The Lost Age)

The GBA is full of great RPGs, such as the Pokémon series and the Mario & Luigi series. However, the best RPGs on the GBA may come from a long-forgotten Nintendo franchise: Golden Sun.

Golden Sun and its sequel Golden Sun: The Lost Age are now on Nintendo Switch Online. Golden Sun follows a group of teenagers with magical abilities, called "Adepts," as they journey to protect their world from the destructive powers of alchemy. The Lost Age flips that script as its cast journeys to bring back alchemy. Both Golden Sun games on the GBA received glowing reviews, making it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.

Greatest Classic Games Offered In Nintendo Switch Online (2024)
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