Nintendo Classics – Nintendo Switch Online Overview & FAQ

General Information

How does this service work as part of Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online members have ongoing access to a library of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games with added online play. Members can play as many of the games as they want, as often as they like, for as long as they have an active subscription.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members additionally have access to Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and Virtual Boy games. Nintendo GameCube games are also included, exclusively playable on Nintendo Switch 2.

Will additional classic games be added?

All of the Nintendo Classics libraries will continue to grow.

Can I play games that were released before I joined Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes. You can play all games that have been released for this service when you sign up for the membership.

Will any new features be added to these classic games?

For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy certain of these games online. Depending on the game, players can engage in online competitive or co-op multiplayer, or take turns controlling the action. Friends can even watch each other play single-player games online, and "pass the controller" at any time.

Certain titles also have a special version available that allows you to start with an existing save file, which may be at a later point in the game, have additional power-ups, or unlock extra modes.

Have new online multiplayer modes been added to the classic games?

If the game originally had any kind of multiplayer features, those features will work online. On Nintendo Switch 2, users can voice chat or video chat via GameChat while sharing their screens or playing multiplayer. Voice chat is also supported for most Nintendo Classics libraries via the Nintendo Switch App for smart devices. (Voice chat is only available through the app for users aged 13+.)

By using GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2 or voice chat on the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, Nintendo Switch Online members will be able to enjoy these games together online as if they were sitting next to each other on the couch.

Can these classic games be played indefinitely?

Active Nintendo Switch Online members will have ongoing access to all classic games in the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy collections.

Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion pack members will have ongoing access to all classic games in the NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 (including Mature 17+), SEGA Genesis, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, and Virtual Boy collections. The Nintendo GameCube library is only playable on Nintendo Switch 2.

Games can be played while you are offline, but you must have an active membership and verify your membership every seven days by connecting online.

Can I still play if I don't renew my Nintendo Switch Online membership?

Classic games can only be accessed by a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, the save data for the games will remain on your console and will still be available to use if you renew your membership at a later time.

Will the classic games with added features also be sold individually?

There are no plans to make the games available outside of the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Will I need extra storage space to download the games?

The amount of storage space needed will be displayed in the Nintendo eShop when you download the games.

The storage requirements will increase as additional games are added to the software.

If you don't have enough space available, you can delete some content on your system or purchase a compatible microSD Express card for Nintendo Switch 2 or microSD card for Nintendo Switch to provide additional storage space. Deleted software can be redownloaded at no additional cost.

We have tips for managing your storage space for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

Is this a replacement for Virtual Console? Will Virtual Console return?

There are currently no plans to bring classic games together under the Virtual Console banner as has been done on other Nintendo systems. There are a variety of ways in which classic games from Nintendo and other publishers are made available on newer platforms, such as through Nintendo Classics, in Nintendo eShop, or as packaged collections.

The Nintendo Classics libraries provide a fun new way to experience classic titles, thanks to enhancements such as added online play, voice and video chat through GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2, and voice chat via the Nintendo Switch App for smart devices.

Can Nintendo Accounts without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription access the classic game libraries?

No. The Nintendo Account being used to access the software must have a subscription, even if another Nintendo Account with a subscription is present on the same console.

How often will more games be added to each collection?

There is no set schedule for new releases, but each collection will continue to grow.

Is it possible for four players to play locally or online?

Yes, games that originally supported four players can be played that way both locally and online. When playing online, each Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system supports one player.

Additional systems or accessories may be required and are sold separately.

Do the classic games allow matchmaking with random players?

Games in these collections feature online play with friends only.

Can these classic games be played while offline?

Yes, but users must have an active membership and regularly verify their membership by connecting online.

It is possible to play games in the collections up to seven consecutive days without connecting online.

Which languages are available?

The available languages depend on the original game title. In select titles, you can choose between North American and European versions with localized text.