Nintendo Classics

Nintendo Classics is a line of emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Launched in 2018, subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC). A more expensive subscription tier, titled "Expansion Pack", was introduced in 2021. Through this tier, players can also access Nintendo 64 (N64), Sega Genesis (GEN), Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Virtual Boy (VB) games, with GameCube (GCN) exclusively available on Nintendo Switch 2. Each console's library is accessed through a dedicated app, with new games being added on an irregular basis. Games are accessible as long as the user has an active subscription, although users must connect to the internet at least once a week to access the apps whilst offline.

The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends.[3][4][5]

Expansion Pack

Nintendo 64

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021,[3] Nintendo 64 games were added to the service worldwide with nine titles on October 25, 2021.[88] Games are based on the NTSC releases using 60 Hz timing; select games also have the option to play the European versions which run at their original PAL 50 Hz speed, including those that support multiple languages.[89] The app does not emulate the ability to save to a Controller Pak, meaning some games can only save progress through the use of save states.[90][91] An update on June 5, 2025 added the ability to remap each game's control scheme. Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 are also able to rewind gameplay and apply a CRT filter.[92] Games that received a Z rating from the Japanese CERO rating board or an M rating from the ESRB are available as part of a separate "18+" application in Japan or "Mature 17+" application in western regions.[93] As of December 17, 2025, there are 44 games available, including the following:

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Sega Genesis games were added to the service worldwide with 15 titles on October 25, 2021.[88] As of April 11, 2025, there are 51 games available, including the following:

Game Boy Advance

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy Advance games were added to the service worldwide with six titles the same day.[73] An update in September 2025 added the ability to remap the in-game controls.[130] As of March 10, 2026, there are 31 games available, including the following:

GameCube

GameCube was added to the service with three games alongside the Nintendo Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025. GameCube games are only available on Nintendo Switch 2.[145] The emulator allows players to reassign buttons and customize controls for each game.[146] Players are also able to control the games using original GameCube controllers via the GameCube Controller Adapter.[147] As of March 18, 2026, there are 9 games available, including the following:

Virtual Boy

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025, Virtual Boy games were added to the service on February 17, 2026, with seven games available at launch. The games display two separate images on either side of the screen to recreate the stereoscopic 3D effect of the original system.[155] The games cannot be displayed in full screen and require the use of an additional headset accessory for proper play. The accessory is available in two formats: a plastic mount based on the original system, and a cardboard sleeve.[156] While not officially supported,[157] the Virtual Boy headsets are also compatible with games that supported the Nintendo Labo VR Kit and vice versa.[158][159] Players can adjust the screen size and inter-pupillary distance of the display to refine the 3D effect.[160]

developer	Nintendo European Research & Development‡R1R‡
type	Classic video game distribution and emulation
platform	Nintendo Switch · Nintendo Switch 2
status	Active

Standard subscription

Nintendo Entertainment System

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Game Boy and Game Boy Color