Growing up some of my fondest memories involved playing or watching my dad or uncles play video games. However, during the golden age of iconic consoles like the NES, SNES, N64, and SEGA Genesis I didn't have access to all the games they had to offer. At my dad's house, he did own an SNES. One of the highlights of visiting my dad's house would be sitting by the light of the little box tv and playing hours of Donkey Kong Country 1-3 or Super Mario World with my half siblings. Because I was young and didn't have my own console at my mom's or grandparent's houses where I spent the bulk of my time, I didn't have the chance to explore the worlds of many classic games until I was much older... that is, until Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch Online service. Nintendo Switch Online opened a whole new universe of immersive retro game universes for me to experience for the first time. Keep in mind that this service is a subscription service - the downside being that you don't technically own the games. However, in my opinion the benefits outweigh that drawback, and this is by far one of the more accessible options currently to experience these older games.
Nintendo Switch Online's services have provided me with so much joy. I had always fawned over the N64 when I was younger. I loved the colorful 3D worlds, controller design, and overall aesthetic of this console. (Especially the transparent models- bring those back!) I would see commercial after commercial and colorful ad after colorful ad for the N64, but I was "too young" for the console to be considered appropriate for me to own one of my own at the time. I would roam around Toys 'R' Us with lit up eyes, seeing the likes of Super Mario 64, Paper Mario, and Pokemon Stadium in the "Best Sellers" sections. I DESPERATELY wanted this totally radical console. Instead, my first gaming experience with a console that was all mine would not be until the magical day that my mom gifted me a Gameboy Color for my seventh birthday. But, even as I grew older, I always had a soft spot for the Nintendo games/consoles I never got to experience as a child.
With Nintendo Switch Online + The Expansion Pass, I've been able to enjoy quite a few titles I was previously unable to play, or didn't have access to. Let's talk about some games that this online membership finally granted me the ability to experience for the first time in all their nostalgic glory:
Paper Mario, Original Release: August 11th, 2000
Now, Paper Mario is a bit of an interesting story. I'm not sure how many of you know this, but it originally started as a sequel to the Super Mario RPG series on the SNES. Eventually, the direction and style changed, and Paper Mario was born! This game combines turn-based RPG elements, a party system, puzzles, and many areas to explore. I started my journey with Paper Mario on the Nintendo GameCube with Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (which recently got a remaster and is now on the Nintendo Switch in all it's glory!) and always wanted to play the original. Nintendo adding this title to the N64 Online service was such a great move, and I think this game is essential for Mario fans, and RPG fans alike.
Banjo-Kazooie, Original Release: June 29th, 1998
Banjo-Kazooie has to be one of, if not the most fun platforming collect-a-thon games I've ever played. It oozes style and whimsy, has a bangin' soundtrack thanks to the wonderful Grant Kirkhope, and is the only game with a character named "Mumbo-Jumbo". This game is pure platforming bliss in the truest form, and such a blast to play. I had always seen/heard people talk about how much fun this game is, but never had the chance until I streamed it while utilizing the N64 online service. I also found out that sometimes, Game Over screens CAN be worth it. (If you know you know).
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Original Release: November 21st, 1998
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is such a masterfully made game. I adore the Legend of Zelda series in general, but for the first foray into the 3D world, Nintendo absolutely knocked it out of the park with this title. While some may be turned off by the lack of direction, the game allows you to explore, slash, and "Hyeahhh" as much as you like while wandering through Hyrule. If you're a music fan, OoT is a MUST-Play as this game has some of the best Zelda tracks period. Gerudo Valley and Song of Storms alone should be playing on repeat always! This entry of the Legend of Zelda series was also our first introduction to Ganondorf, who would become a series staple going forward. This was also one of the first N64 games to include a different style cartridge to the standard gray that other games used.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Original Release: April 27th, 2000
Majora's Mask may well be one of the weirdest and darkest entries in the series, but I'll be damned if it isn't one of the series best. As the follow-up to Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask is all about two things, time manipulation and mask collecting. While other titles in the series utilize the adult version of Link, this game sticks you as the young Link version, but allows you to augment your powers through masks collected during the game. Some of the best enemy designs of the series, and while utilizing the map from Ocarina of Time, but in new ways, Majora's Mask has cemented itself as one of the best The Legend of Zelda games period. Darn you Skull Kid!
Keep in mind that the games listed in this article are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion pass service, but these are the titles I've personally spent the most time with. I plan on going through the SEGA Genesis games, as well as the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games as well. Here's hoping Nintendo adds the GameCube at some point too! If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you get the chance to experience any of these games, I highly recommend them all!
If you enjoyed this article, please be sure to let us know! If you want to hear about more of my favorite retro games, you're in luck! This article is planned to be the first in a series where I will cover my favorite games available through Nintendo Switch Online.
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