Which Nintendo Subscription Has N64 Games?
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is the specific modern subscription tier that grants users access to a library of Nintendo 64 games. While the base Nintendo Switch Online membership offers NES and SNES titles, upgrading to the Expansion Pack level is required to play classic N64 cartridges on your console. This article details the differences between subscription tiers, highlights popular available titles, and explains how to access this retro gaming library.
Understanding the Subscription Tiers
Nintendo offers two main levels of service for its Switch console. The base Nintendo Switch Online membership provides access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a collection of NES and Super NES games. However, this lower tier does not include any Nintendo 64 software. To unlock the N64 library, subscribers must purchase the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan. This higher tier builds upon the base benefits by adding more extensive retro game collections and downloadable content for specific modern titles.
Available N64 Titles
The library of Nintendo 64 games available through the Expansion Pack continues to grow over time. At launch, the service included iconic titles such as Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Since then, Nintendo has added numerous other classics to the roster, including Banjo-Kazooie, Star Fox 64, and GoldenEye 007. These games are emulated directly on the Switch, allowing players to enjoy them with enhanced features like save states and online multiplayer where applicable.
Additional Perks of the Expansion Pack
Beyond the Nintendo 64 collection, the Expansion Pack subscription includes several other valuable benefits. Subscribers also gain access to a library of Sega Genesis games, expanding the retro offerings beyond Nintendo hardware. Furthermore, this tier includes paid DLC for specific new games without additional cost, such as the Happy Home Paradise expansion for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These additions make the higher-priced subscription appealing for players who want both retro nostalgia and extra content for current releases.
How to Subscribe and Play
Accessing these games requires an active subscription to the + Expansion Pack tier via the Nintendo eShop. Once subscribed, users can download the dedicated Nintendo Switch Online application from the eShop. Inside the app, distinct icons represent the different console libraries, including the N64 section. Players can launch games directly from this hub, manage save data, and invite friends to join online sessions. Regularly checking the service for updates is recommended, as Nintendo frequently adds new titles to the rotating library.