Nintendo has big plans in 2025, and fans are hoping that adding more titles to the Nintendo Switch Online service is part of them. With the launch of the Switch 2 coming later this year, and the confirmation that it will continue to offer the Nintendo Switch Online catalog of retro games, there are still some standout games that players have been waiting for.
The Nintendo Switch Online service made waves in the Nintendo community as the first time the company required a subscription fee to play online. One way Nintendo ensured that players were getting their money’s worth out of the subscription was by allowing NSO subscribers to play dozens of games from the NES, SNES, Gameboy, and more. Since the service launched, more games and consoles have continued to be added. In fact, 2024 saw more games added to Nintendo Switch Online than any other year. With the service continuing to run into the era of the Switch 2, many are hoping that 2025 will continue this trend by adding even more highly requested games.
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What Games Do Players Want to See on Nintendo Switch Online
It’s Time for Official Localizations of Japanese Exclusives
Throughout the years, Nintendo has had a hand in bringing a countless number of games to players worldwide, but some games never make it to an international audience. This was especially true in Nintendo’s early days, when it wasn’t clear if certain ideas had a large enough audience outside of Japan. Because of this, some beloved franchises have entries that can only be played in Japanese.
Most notably, Mother 3, the third game in the Earthbound series, has been one that international fans have wanted a localization of ever since its release. Even Earthbound’s creator wants it to be localized, signaling that the ball is in Nintendo’s court with that decision. In the eyes of many, a worldwide release of Mother 3 is the best addition Nintendo could consider in the coming year.
Gaming Giants are Missing From the NES Online
The NES was the first console added to the NSO service, but hasn’t stopped getting new support. The NES Online still receives new content, having added new games as recently as December 2024. One would think that Nintendo might be running out of quality titles that haven’t been added to the platform yet, but there have been some surprising omissions. Games like Contra or Battletoads would be perfect additions to the NES Online that would help modern players better understand how unforgiving games on that console were. It’s also surprising that none of the original Castlevania games have come to NES online yet. With titles on the Gameboy and Sega Genesis available for NSO players, the game that started it all should be as well.
The Switch 2 Brings New Possibilities for the SNES Online
After the reveal trailer for the Switch 2, there’s been plenty of talk about what the new console might be capable of. One of the most unexpected additions is that the new Joy Cons will feature computer mouse functionality. Nintendo hasn’t used a mouse since the SNES era, which leads many to question why this capability made the cut for the Switch 2. Whatever the reason, it does open the door for new SNES games to be added to the SNES Online roster. The most likely candidate is Mario Paint, which came packed with the SNES mouse back in the day. This game, previously off-limits because of the required peripheral, now has a chance to make a return, alongside others that haven’t been easily played for decades.
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A Genre Defining Game Needs to Return for the N64
N64 games hold a special place in the hearts of many Nintendo fans. As the company made the jump to 3D gaming, it began to define both its identity and the standards of various genres in the 3D age. Games like Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time became the peak of exploration, and pioneered design practices that are still used today. Even though the era of the collectathon has ended, some still long for it to return, and the N64 has let them relive that magic. Last year’s addition of Banjo Tooie was a surprising win for collectathon fans, but it still leaves one big name in the genre missing. Donkey Kong 64 is remembered as the most expansive collectathon game of them all, and to some, the N64 Online’s roster feels incomplete without it. Donkey Kong is the talk of the town after his new redesign, so Nintendo would be smart to leverage that publicity by adding DK 64 to NSO, and the sooner, the better.
The GBA Online Should Let Fans Play Em’ All
The portable side of Nintendo’s back catalog has also been well represented by the NSO game choices, except for one major franchise. For many, Nintendo’s handhelds can be defined by which Pokemon games could be played on them, so it’s strange that Pokemon is absent from the NOS line-up. In a year without a mainline Pokemon game coming out, players could use a chance to revisit some of the old regions in games like Pokemon Red, Blue, Crystal, or Emerald. If added, it’s even possible that Pokemon Home might allow players to transfer their Pokemon to the generation 10 games once they arrive.
It’s still unclear which, if any, of these games might be added in the coming year, but with the continuation of Nintendo Switch Online certain, it’s hopeful that more games are on the way. Some are even hoping for larger additions to the NSO game library, but no news has been given about future expansions.
Nintendo Switch Online
Play online with friends, family, and other players around the world.
Battle it out against other players around the world in the Super Smash Bros.™ Ultimate game. Or hang out with friends on your island paradise in the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons game.
100+ classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games at your fingertips
Play old-school favorites like the Super Mario Bros.™ 3, Donkey Kong Country™, and The Legend of Zelda™: Link’s Awakening games. These games include added online functionality so you can compete (or cooperate) online with friends depending on the game.
Save on new games
Nintendo Switch Online members can buy a pair of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers* and redeem each one for a digital game in the voucher catalog to score savings. For example, get The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and one other game for up to $30 in savings with Game Vouchers!
Enjoy Nintendo game music – now on your smart device!
Kick back and enjoy some of your favorite Nintendo tunes with Nintendo Music, the new smart-device app that lets you stream or download music from Nintendo’s library of soundtracks from popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda™, Super Mario™, Animal Crossing™, and many more.