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    Nintendo Switch Online Classic Games – Overview & FAQ

    With the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online, SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online, and Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online collections, Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members can enjoy a selection of classic games with added online play. With the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app, members aged 13 and over can also use voice chat during their play sessions.

    Each of the classic games libraries will continue to grow, with more games added in the future.

    FAQ

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

    Nintendo Switch Online members have ongoing access to compilations 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 membership.

    Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members additionally have access to Nintendo 64, SEGA Mega Drive and Game Boy Advance games.

    Will additional classic games be added?

    All the classic game libraries will continue to grow.

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

    Yes. When you have an active membership, you can play all games that have been released for the service.

    Will any new features be added to these classic games?

    For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy these games online. Depending on the game, players can engage in competitive or co-op multiplayer online, 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 classic game originally had any kind of multiplayer features, those features will work online. Additionally, voice chat is supported for all classic games via the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app (available to Nintendo Account users aged 13+).

    By using voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online smart device 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 Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online and Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online collections.

    Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will have ongoing access to all classic games in the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online, SEGA Mega Drive – Nintendo Switch Online and Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online collections.

    Games can be played while you are offline, but you must have an active membership and must regularly verify your membership by connecting to the internet.

    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 Nintendo Switch 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 Nintendo Switch Online.

    Will I need extra storage space to download the games?

    The amount of storage space needed will be displayed on Nintendo eShop when you download each software.

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

    If you don't have enough space available, you can archive or delete software or purchase a microSD card to provide additional storage space. Deleted software can be redownloaded from Nintendo eShop at no additional cost. For additional assistance, click here.

    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 consoles and systems. There are a variety of ways in which classic games from Nintendo and other publishers are made available on Nintendo Switch, including via Nintendo Switch Online, on Nintendo eShop or as packaged collections.

    Nintendo Switch Online classic games provide a fun new way to experience classic titles, thanks to enhancements such as added online play and voice chat via a smart device app.

    Can Nintendo Accounts without a Nintendo Switch Online membership access Nintendo Switch Online classic games?

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