The Nintendo Switch Online game library is full of great retro games, but subscribers wondering what classic games they should prioritize on the Nintendo Switch might have some trouble picking a starting point. The Nintendo Switch has proven to be an excellent way to relive past eras of gaming either at home or on the go, so long as players are willing to pay a monthly fee. With a selection of titles that range from the original NES to the Game Boy Advance, the choices available on Nintendo Switch Online can be potentially paralyzing.
Choosing a range of must-play classic games on Nintendo Switch Online requires covering a variety of genres and styles. From side-scrolling platformers to expansive RPG experiences, past eras of gaming have offered formative games of every type. The baseline Nintendo Switch Online library includes titles that were originally available on the NES, SNES, and Game Boy/Game Boy Color, while upgrading to the Expansion Pack unlocks a selection from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. Each of these systems is represented among the best Nintendo Switch Online games, although some might offer more definitive experiences than others.
15 Fire Emblem (GBA)
Fire Emblem might be considered a staple Nintendo franchise in the West now, but that wasn't always the case. The first game to be released in North America and Europe was Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade for the GameBoy Advance, which dropped the subtitle in localization. For newcomers to the tactical RPG series, it's a solid jumping-in point, refining mechanics and ea on the hardcore difficulty of its direct predecessor The Binding Blade. If Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Engage seem tempting but expensive, the Nintendo Switch Online release of Fire Emblem is the perfect way to test the waters.
14 Castlevania: Bloodlines (Genesis)
Despite the rich history of the Castlevania series on Nintendo consoles, the one title in the franchise currently available through Nintendo Switch Online is the only one to have appeared on a Sega system. Although it hasn't achieved quite the same iconic status as Super Castlevania IV or Symphony of the Night, Castlevania: Bloodlines is still a great entry in a series known for excellence. Gorgeous pixel art, satisfying combat, and excellent platforming all make Bloodlines a compelling experience for any players willing to step up to the challenge of its punishing difficulty.
13 GoldenEye 007 (N64)
GoldenEye 007 is a name that most players will find immediately familiar. A mainstay among discussions of the best move tie-in games and the greatest FPS experiences, GoldenEye 007 revolutionized shooters in a way that can still be felt today. This Nintendo 64 title is a major departure from games like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, taking advantage of the console's polygonal 3D graphics to deliver a fresh experience that captured the most exciting aspects of its source material. The Nintendo Switch Online version of GoldenEye 007 might even be the best way to play, with the option to take the excellent multiplayer mode online.
12 Harvest Moon (SNES)
Playing the original SNES Harvest Moon makes it immediately obvious why the series was a hit. The suite of features might not be as robust as some later games, but the satisfaction of seeing a farm grow and building relationships with townspeople is just as compelling. Players accustomed to the 3D entries should have no trouble adjusting to its charming pixel art, although fast-paced days can take a bit more getting used to. Nights, however, last forever, so scheduling tasks in a way that takes advantage of this odd structure will set players up for success with this classic Nintendo Switch Online title.
11 Golden Sun (GBA)
Unlike the other games on this list, Golden Sun isn't yet available through Nintendo Switch Online, but this classic RPG's planned release makes it worthy of mention. Originally a Game Boy Advance title, Golden Sun is among the rare breed of RPGs available on handheld systems that can stand toe-to-toe with home console games as full-featured experiences. The lack of any apparent plans for Golden Sun's sequel is a major mistake for Nintendo Switch Online, but the first game is well-worth playing all the same.
10 ToeJam & Earl (Genesis)
The uniqueness of ToeJam & Earl might be worth a mention alone, but this unusual Genesis title also happens to be an excellent game to boot. Long before the modern renaissance of roguelike games, ToeJam & Earl filtered elements of Rogue into a much more cartoonish and approachable experience. The game has personality in spades, with all the exaggerated style often associated with the early 90s and a freshly engaging sense of humor. Although it initially launched to disappointing sales, critical acclaim and years of building a cult status have earned ToeJam & Earl a well-deserved following.
9 The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (GBC)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX is another game that makes for a great Nintendo Switch Online alternative to buying a full-priced Switch release, offering up the original experience that inspired the more recent Link's Awakening remake. Although its Game Boy Color pixel art might not boast the same detail as 16-bit Zelda titles, it still oozes with charm, and most of the various challenges offered up by its dungeons haven't aged a day. With a unique tone and setting that distinguish it from other classic Zelda games, Link's Awakening is one that no fan of action-adventure games should ignore.
8 Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
The transition to 3D with the Nintendo 64 opened the door for platformers with more scope and variety, and few games took advantage of this to the same degree as Banjo-Kazooie. Large, open-ended levels house a variety of secrets to uncover and items to collect, encouraging exploration and creativity from players. Fun movement mechanics and characters and environments bursting with personality make Banjo-Kazooie a joy to play, securing it a status as a definitive collectathon that's in no danger of slipping.
7 Super Metroid (SNES)
Although the original Metroid for the NES and its Game Boy sequel Metroid 2: Return of Samus are both available on Nintendo Switch Online, it's the third game in the series that newcomers should look to as a number-one priority. Super Metroid iterates and improves upon its predecessors in countless ways, taking advantage of the SNES hardware to render beautifully atmospheric environments and refining gameplay to be more approachable and fun without losing challenge or intrigue. Super Metroid is a must-play for fans of Metroidvania games interested in one of the core templates for the genre, but it's also something that any player should consider picking up.
6 Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Genesis)
The presence of a Sonic the Hedgehog game on Nintendo Switch Online shows just how much things have changed since Sonic the Hedgehog 2 first saw release on the Genesis, when the lightning-fast hedgehog's market rivalry with Mario stood as a marker for the stiff competition between Sega and Nintendo. What hasn't changed is just how compelling Sonic the Hedgehog 2 can be, still serving as a high-water mark in a series with numerous ups and downs. Most of the game's level design accommodates and builds upon Sonic's high speeds better than its predecessor did, making for a satisfyingly dynamic platforming joyride.
