Nintendo Switch Online Welcomes More Retro Favorites
Nintendo has once again expanded its retro gaming library with three classic Sega Genesis titles now available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. This addition further strengthens the partnership between the two former rivals and gives subscribers more reasons to dive into gaming history. The Expansion Pack tier continues to be Nintendo’s premium online offering, bringing beloved titles from multiple classic consoles to modern gamers.
The Sega Genesis collection has become an increasingly valuable part of Nintendo’s retro gaming ecosystem, offering players access to titles that defined gaming in the early 1990s. These latest additions maintain Nintendo’s commitment to preserving gaming history while providing modern conveniences like save states and rewind features.
New Sega Genesis Additions
Three iconic titles have joined the Sega Genesis Nintendo Switch Online library:
Streets of Rage
This legendary side-scrolling beat ’em up first released in 1991 has maintained its cult status among gamers. Streets of Rage puts players in the role of ex-police officers fighting through criminal-infested streets to take down a crime syndicate. With its distinctive art style, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro, this game remains a standout entry in the beat ’em up genre.
Super Thunder Blade
A technical showcase when it debuted, Super Thunder Blade offers a unique helicopter action experience with pseudo-3D gameplay sections. Players pilot a combat helicopter through various environments, battling enemy aircraft and ground units. The game alternates between behind-the-helicopter segments and top-down views, creating a varied gameplay experience that pushed the Genesis hardware.
ESWAT: City Under Siege
In this futuristic action title, players begin as a rookie police officer who eventually earns the right to wear the powerful ESWAT (Enhanced Special Weapons and Tactics) powered armor suit. The gameplay evolves significantly once the suit is obtained, giving players new abilities and firepower to combat increasingly dangerous criminal elements in a dystopian metropolis.
Membership Requirements
Unlike some Nintendo services, these classic Sega Genesis titles are exclusively available to those with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. This premium tier of Nintendo’s online service comes at a higher price point than the standard subscription, reflecting the expanded game library and additional features.
It’s important to note that Nintendo does not currently offer a free trial for the Expansion Pack tier, requiring an upfront subscription for those wanting to experience these classic Sega titles. The Expansion Pack also includes Nintendo 64 games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC, and other premium content.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, Nintendo has confirmed that the Sega Genesis library will be available on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring continuity for subscribers investing in these retro experiences. While Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about most Switch 2 details, this confirmation provides reassurance that the retro gaming initiatives will continue into the next console generation.
Industry analysts expect Nintendo to continue expanding its retro gaming offerings, potentially adding more Sega platforms or third-party retro consoles to the service in the future. The steady addition of titles to existing libraries suggests Nintendo views retro gaming as a significant value proposition for its online services.
A Growing Retro Library
With these three new additions, the Sega Genesis collection on Nintendo Switch Online continues to grow into an impressive library that spans multiple genres and represents some of the best gaming experiences of the 16-bit era. For retro gaming enthusiasts and newcomers curious about gaming history, the recent Sega Genesis additions provide even more reasons to subscribe to Nintendo’s premium online tier.
As Nintendo continues to bridge the gap between gaming’s past and present, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the best platforms for experiencing the games that shaped the medium we know today.
