Which Nintendo Subscription Service Includes NES Games?

This article explains which modern Nintendo subscription service provides access to classic NES titles. We will explore the Nintendo Switch Online membership, detail the included game library, and clarify the differences between base and expansion pack tiers regarding retro gaming access.

The Nintendo Switch Online Service

The modern subscription service that includes Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games is Nintendo Switch Online. Launched in 2018, this service is required for most online multiplayer functionality on the Nintendo Switch console. However, beyond multiplayer features, a key benefit of the subscription is access to a curated library of classic games from legacy Nintendo consoles.

Accessing the NES Game Library

Subscribers to the base tier of Nintendo Switch Online gain access to the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online application. This dedicated software acts as a hub for classic titles. Once downloaded from the Nintendo eShop, users can launch the app to play a rotating and expanding collection of NES games. These titles often include iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Donkey Kong.

Subscription Tiers and Classic Games

It is important to distinguish between the two main tiers of the service. The base Individual or Family Membership includes the NES library along with Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles. The higher-priced Expansion Pack tier adds access to Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, and Game Boy Advance libraries, depending on the current region and offerings. For players specifically interested in NES games, the standard base subscription is sufficient and does not require the upgraded Expansion Plan.

How to Start Playing

To begin playing NES games, users must first purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership through the console’s eShop or the official Nintendo website. After the subscription is active, search for the Nintendo Entertainment System app in the eShop and download it. The library is regularly updated, meaning new classic titles are added periodically at no additional cost to the subscriber. This service provides a legal and convenient way to experience historical gaming content on modern hardware.