Nintendo Switch Online serves multiple purposes for Switch users, including allowing players to enjoy multiplayer games online, cloud save functionality, and exclusive games and offers. However, one of the biggest draws to the service is the over one hundred free Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System games that come with the subscription. Now, according to reliable sources, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games may also soon be added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. If true, there are some games that would be perfect additions to the subscription platform.
The addition of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to Nintendo Switch Online makes perfect sense, as the titles are right in line with the Nintendo and Super Nintendo in terms of classic games from that era. It would be nice to see more consoles added over time, but this is an excellent step. There are so many games on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color that are beloved, and would be wonderful on the Switch via Nintendo Switch Online. Whether they are excellently designed, because they have not been re-released in ages, or simply because the Switch would be a borderline flawless home for them, Game Boy games on Switch would be a great addition.
Super Mario Land and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
The Super Mario Land games have somewhat become forgotten in the landscape of the Mario series, thanks in part because Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins launched 29 years ago. However, Super Mario Land and Super Mario Land 2 are excellent games from the Game Boy era. The original Super Mario Land from 1989 is remembered by countless fans who picked up the classic plump grey Game Boy and enjoyed on-the-go Mario fun. Meanwhile, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins mixed up the formula a few years later with levels of freedom, exceptional design, and more. Both would be great fits on Nintendo Switch Online.
Wario Land Series
The Super Mario Land games are celebrated, but the Wario Land series on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color may be even more beloved and well-received. Along with seeing Wario and his money-hungry self be the star in the platformers, the games allow for unique protagonists and enemies such as the Black Sugar Gang, Captain Syrup, and Rudy, to take lead roles.
There is a reason that fans are still clamoring for a return of the Wario Land series. Wario Land continued on the Game Boy Advance and eventually the Wii in 2008, but there has not been a release in the series since then. Bringing back the series via Nintendo Switch Online would be a great way to introduce the games to new fans, along with allowing old fans the nostalgic opportunity to replay them.
Donkey Kong ('94)
The Donkey Kong Country series rose to prominence in the mid-90s on the Super Nintendo, and the Game Boy Color received its own version of Donkey Kong Country as well. However, perhaps the best handheld Donkey Kong game from that era was simply Donkey Kong on the Game Boy, which is often referred to as Donkey Kong '94. The game starts out feeling like Donkey Kong from the arcade, however it has 101 levels and it truly feels like the predecessor to the Mario vs Donkey Kong series. Providing fans with Donkey Kong '94 on Nintendo Switch Online would be an excellent way to celebrate the 40 years of Donkey Kong.
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
Nintendo Switch Online is not only an avenue to bring back top-notch games, it also can be a conduit for games that feel lost in time. There have been countless Kirby games launched over the years, but Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble is one of the best Kirby spin-offs and might be perfect for Nintendo Switch Online. The Game Boy Color title was released in 2001 in North America, so some fans missed it entirely. Meanwhile, the fact that the title is entirely motion-based means that if it were to be released on the Switch, the game could be replayed successfully again using gyro technology.
Pokemon Pinball
If there were one series that defined Nintendo handhelds, Pokemon may be the answer. It would be easy to say that Pokemon Red, Blue, and/or Yellow, as well as Pokemon Gold, Silver, and/or Crystal, would be wonderful on Nintendo Switch Online. While that is mostly true, it could be that Nintendo would want to hold off those games on the platform because it wants to save the full remasters, mainline launches, etc. for the Switch.
However, old-school spin-offs from the Game Boy and Game Boy Color era are fair game. Pokemon Pinball — a game that somehow mixed the monster collecting formula in with the pinball gameplay — would be perfect on Nintendo Switch Online as one of the best pinball video games ever.
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
Nintendo often does not stop at the chance to re-release a classic game. One of the titles that Mario enthusiasts have purchased seemingly countless times is the original Super Mario Bros., so it would make sense to allow fans to play the game in a new way with Super Mario Bros. Deluxe. The Game Boy Color title was released in 1999 as an upgraded version of the original with enhanced graphics, multiplayer, Challenge mode, an overworld, and much more. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is one of the best Mario titles on the Game Boy and could even be a title that Nintendo updates with online multiplayer functionality with Nintendo Switch Online.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Seasons
There is a belief that The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Seasons may get a remake on the Nintendo Switch, ala The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. If that is not the case, or in the meantime, having the original Game Boy Color games from 2001 on the Nintendo Switch Online service would be splendid. In the eyes of many, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons are some of the best 2D Zelda games, even if on somewhat limited hardware.
Dragon Warrior 3 (Dragon Quest 3: The Seeds of Salvation)
Dragon Warrior 3 is a title that some deem to be the best RPG on the Game Boy Color. The Dragon Warrior games are now known as Dragon Quest, but Dragon Warrior 3 would be a fantastic addition to Nintendo Switch Online. Of all of the Dragon Quest games, Dragon Quest 3 is considered by many to be a favorite. Additionally, the design of Hero in this version of the game is one of the models that is used in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, so fans will recognize the iconic character as well.
Harvest Moon GBC
Variety is a great thing, and having a role-playing farm simulator on Nintendo Switch Online would be pretty neat. Harvest Moon on the Game Boy Color was beautiful and a fantastic title to have on the go. The series also helped to inspire the likes of Stardew Valley, so it would be a joy to allow fans the opportunity to play the title for the first time or yet again.