Nintendo announced a new membership plan for Nintendo Online during its latest Nintendo Direct. Called the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, it adds both Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games to the Switch's online library. For those who want to experience the Nintendo 64 games as they were on the original system, Nintendo Online members will be able to purchase wireless classic Nintendo 64 controllers for $49.99.
The Expansion Pack membership will release sometime in late October, with the price point and release date to be announced later. The Nintendo 64 portion of the service will launch with just nine titles to start, but gamers can look forward to the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Pokémon Snap and Paper Mario being added in the future.
Dr. Mario 64
Dr. Mario 64 is a puzzle game in which players try to match pill-themed tetromino pieces to score points. These pills are "Megavitamins" used to destroy the three different types of Viruses in the game. Dr. Mario 64 features 15 different characters, six game modes and four-player multiplayer. In story mode, Dr. Mario's Megavitamins have been stolen and need to be reclaimed. Players can choose to complete this mode as Mario or Wario. Depending on the character picked and how well players complete the levels, the story outcome and playstyle are slightly different.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time signified a shift for The Legend of Zelda series and remains one of its highest points. Ocarina of Time has been re-released numerous times since its original launch in 1998. The game follows the story of a young Link as he and his faithful horse Epona travel the land in search of the Spiritual Stones that will grant access to the Sacred Realm. The latter part of the game features a notable time skip, in which players take control of an adult Link who is now searching for the Sages who will help seal away Ganondorf.
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64 was first released in 1996 in Japan and 1997 worldwide. Players could choose between eight racers, two of whom, Donkey Kong and Wario, make their series debut here. The game also featured one of the most memorable Mario Kart racetracks in Yoshi Valley, which not only removed racer positions but included many branching paths. Overall, Mario Kart 64 introduced many elements that have since become series staples; from four-player multiplayer and 3D tracks to weapons like the Spiny Shell and triple Red or Green Shells.
Mario Tennis
Mario Tennis was released in 2000 and introduces the fan-favorite Waluigi. As the story goes, Mario and co. face off in the Mario Star Tournament, only to have it interrupted by Bowser. This time, however, Bowser isn't here to ruin the fun - he wants to join in. The game features 20 playable characters, four of whom were not standard Mario characters and were available only by transferring them from the Game Boy Color version of the game. Mario Tennis features six tournament cups - three standard and three special - and supports four-player multiplayer.
Sin and Punishment
Cult-favorite Sin and Punishment is a shooter that was originally released in 2000. The game takes place in the year 2007, during a time when the world is suffering from a global famine. Scientists' attempts at solving this problem only created more: the genetically engineered animals they raised wound up mutating, and the organization that swoops in to help become oppressors. The game features three difficulty modes, and players earn scores based on how well they do in each level. If players fail to finish a stage before the timer runs out, or if they lose all of their health, the game ends.
Star Fox 64
StarFox 64 was released in 1997. While it is the second and most critically acclaimed game in the series, it is just a reboot of the original. StarFox 64 was the first Nintendo 64 game to support the use of the Rumble Pak accessory.
Players control Fox McCloud and his Arwing through an on-rails shooter as he and the rest of the Star Fox team defend the Lylat System from the machinations of the scientist Andross. Completing certain objectives within each level unlocks more difficult levels as part of the game's branching difficulty system. Star Fox 64 also features four-player multiplayer with three different modes: point match, battle royale and time trial.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 brought the popular platforming series to 3D for the first time in 1996. The game starts with Mario and friends heading to Princess Peach's castle for a party, but the princess isn't there - to no one's surprise. Realizing that Bowser is once more up to no good, Mario must travel throughout the Mushroom Kingdom to collect Power Stars and free the Toads in order to restore peace to the land.
Super Mario 64 has long been considered one of the best, if not most pivotal, entries in the series. Not only did the game introduce several new moves for Mario, but it was also the first to feature Charles Martinet in his iconic role. Today, though, Super Mario 64 is perhaps best known for its innovations in gaming's move to 3D gameplay.
WinBack
A third-person shooter from Tecmo Koei, WinBack released in 1999 and was a departure from the studio's musou expertise. In the game, players control special agent Jean-Luc Cougar as he fights against the terrorist group Crying Lions. The game takes place in one location, with the goal being for the player to reach the control center before the laser weapon the Crying Lions stole can fire again. Players either receive the good ending if they succeed in stopping the weapon or they receive the bad ending if they fail. WinBack is most notable for its early use of the cover system, which has gone on to become widely used within the genre.
Yoshi's Story
Yoshi's Story released in Japan late 1997 and worldwide in 1998. In the game, Baby Bowser has stolen the Super Happy Tree and has turned the world into a storybook. In order to return the world to the way it was and reclaim the Super Happy Tree, Baby Yoshis must travel through six storybook pages. What is interesting about Yoshi's Story is that, while it has 24 levels, players only go through six in each playthrough; in other words, story mode offers one level per storybook page. The only way Baby Yoshis can make progress through each level is if they eat a certain number of fruits, and if all six of the Baby Yoshis are captured due to failing a level, the game is over.