Nintendo returns to the N64 and SEGA Mega Drive for its Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack

Nintendo has announced that it will be adding N64 and SEGA Genesis games to its Nintendo Switch Online platform. For reference, the SEGA Genesis is also known as the SEGA Mega Drive outside North America. The company will launch the expansion pack in 'late October'; it has not shared any pricing details yet.

Nintendo will have nine N64 games ready at launch, along with fourteen for the SEGA Mega Drive. Nintendo promises to add at least another seven N64 games after it launches the Expansion Pack, though. All games will be available through the Nintendo Switch Online platform and cannot be purchased separately. The games that Nintendo has announced are:

N64 launch games:

• Super Mario 64
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
• Mario Kart 64
• Star Fox 64
• Sin and Punishment
• Dr. Mario 64
• Mario Tennis 64
• WinBack
• Yoshi's Story

Future N64 games:

• Banjo-Kazooie
• Pokémon Snap
• The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
• Mario Golf
• Paper Mario
• F-Zero X

SEGA Genesis games:

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Streets of Rage 2
• Ecco the Dolphin
• Castlevania: Bloodlines
• Contra: Hard Corps
• Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
• Golden Axe
• Gunstar Heroes
• M.U.S.H.A.
• Phantasy Star IV
• Ristar
• Shining Force
• Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
• Strider

In short, Nintendo has introduced a subscription service within a subscription service. You cannot play N64 and Mega Drive games without paying for Nintendo Switch Online, too. By contrast, neither Microsoft nor Sony require you to purchase two subscription services to use the entirety of its online platforms.

Additionally, Nintendo is releasing N64 and Mega Drive controllers, both wireless versions of their original counterparts. Each controller will retail for US$49.99, but they may only be available for Nintendo Switch online subscribers.

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