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How to Access the Nintendo Classics Game Libraries

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Follow these steps to download and play the library of games for Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy Advance, or Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo GameCube on Nintendo Switch 2.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console
  • An Internet connection
  • An active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to access the Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Classics, Super Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Classics, and Game Boy - Nintendo Classics game libraries.
  • An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required to access the Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Classics, Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics: MATURE 17+, SEGA Genesis - Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy Advance - Nintendo Classics, Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics, and Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics game libraries. The Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics library is exclusively playable on Nintendo Switch 2.

Complete these steps

  • How to access the game libraries on Nintendo Switch 2
    1. Select Nintendo Switch OnlineNintendo Switch Online selected on the HOME Menu Nintendo Switch OnlineNintendo Switch Online seleccionado en el menú HOME Nintendo Switch OnlineNintendo Switch Online sélectionné dans le menu HOME Nintendo Switch OnlineNintendo Switch Online selecionado no Menu HOME from the HOME Menu.
    2. Select Nintendo Classics on the left.
    3. Select the classic game library you want to download from the different options at the top of the screen.
      • Please note that the Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics software is only available in the U.S. and Canada.
    4. Select the icon of the console—this will be the first icon in the list of games included in the library.
    5. Select Free Download to open the page for the game library in Nintendo eShop.
    6. Select Free Download again. Once downloaded to the HOME Menu, this library of games will be available to all users with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership of the appropriate type.
  • How to access the game libraries on Nintendo Switch
    1. Open the Nintendo eShop on your console and select a user with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
    2. Scroll down on the left-hand side and select Nintendo Switch Online.
    3. Scroll down and select the classic game library you want to download from the “Special Offers” or “Expansion Pack Content” sections.
      • Please note that the Virtual Boy - Nintendo Classics software is only available in the U.S. and Canada, and it will not appear if you are using Nintendo Switch Lite.
    4. Select Free Download twice.
    5. Once downloaded to the HOME Menu, this library of games will be available to all users with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership of the appropriate type.

Additional information

When opening one of the classic game libraries, Internet access may be required periodically to validate your membership status.

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