Nintendo has made great strides with the Nintendo Switch, but there's still room for improvement. Nintendo Switch Online contains a plethora of NES and SNES games, yet we haven't seen any games from the Nintendo 64. This online service is comparable to the Virtual Console from the Nintendo Wii, despite having fewer games.
Why is it that retro Nintendo games must slowly release for the Switch? The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 released many classic games and are outpacing the Switch. We can hope that Nintendo works out the kinks and adds a robust library of retro games for players to relish. In the meantime, here are ten Nintendo 64 games we'd like to see on Nintendo Switch Online.
10 Pokémon Snap
The simplicity of Pokémon Snap is why it's appealing. The purpose is to take pictures of Pokémon in their best poses. Moreover, submitting photos to Professor Oak for his tough ratings is part of the game's enjoyment.
This iconic Nintendo 64 video game is receiving a sequel more than twenty years later. New Pokémon Snap is expected to revamp the game's rating system, introduce new stages, and add new Pokémon. For Nintendo and Pokémon fanatics, a Nintendo Switch port for the original Pokémon Snap would be a dream come true.
9 Mario Kart 64
This kart racing sensation did not begin on the Nintendo 64, but it did make the jump to 3D. Mario Kart 64 was a massive leap in terms of gameplay. Racing as your favorite Nintendo heroes and villains is competitive and enjoyable. With a catch-up system that allows players in the last place to find better items, the game appealed to nearly everyone. Without making things too easy, Mario Kart 64 is an essential Nintendo Switch port.
8 Paper Mario
Paper Mario: The Origami King's new direction with the series gives the game less of an RPG (role-playing game) identity. It doesn't have the original Paper Mario's leveling system and has more of an action-adventure focus. Paper Mario: The Origami King packs in comedy and a beautiful paper-crafted world. At the same time, we miss the original RPG elements of Paper Mario for Nintendo 64. This game is essential for Nintendo Switch Online.
7 Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Before DICE's Star Wars Battlefront II wowed us with its surreal star fighting Star Wars: Rogue Squadron was a Nintendo 64 phenomenon. Its cohesive narrative and stellar gameplay are marvelous. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron allows you to pilot various starfighters from the Star Wars universe.
We already received a Star Wars Episode I: Racer port for the Nintendo Switch. We can only hope that Star Wars: Rogue Squadron joins the system as well.
6 Mario Party Series
Before the series' inconsistent releases, Nintendo 64's Mario Party games were phenomenal. A Nintendo themed video game with board game qualities showed much promise and delivered on all fronts. The games are competitive, the mini-games are a blast, and the single-player features many unlockables to keep players engaged. This series needs to be part of Nintendo Switch Online's lineup if the Nintendo 64 becomes part of the service.
5 Donkey Kong 64
There are a variety of small changes that could be made to improve Donkey Kong 64. For example, using the D-Pad to switch between characters would save time for collecting character-specific items. The game's sprawling environments are awe-inspiring, even if they become tedious for exploration at times. Ultimately, Donkey Kong 64 is one of the greats because of its top-notch story, boss fights, multiplayer, and for being an overall great package. We desperately want this game for Nintendo Switch Online.
4 Super Smash Bros.
The immensely popular crossover fighting series, Super Smash Bros., began with only twelve characters (four unlockables). The characters could use more balancing, but matches are still competitive.
The stage variety and the number of playable fighters for the series have increased by more than a tenfold. Also, the single-player has more layers of complexity. Regardless, many prefer the original for its timeless gameplay and the nostalgic factor.
3 Super Mario 64
It was reported by websites like VGC and Eurogamer that Super Mario 64 is among the Mario games getting remaster treatment for the Nintendo Switch. If the reports are validated, it will mark a historic day for Nintendo. Super Mario 64's leap into three-dimensions was a revolutionary change in gaming.
Super Mario 64 may launch as part of a bundle on the Nintendo Games Store, but we'd also like to see free Nintendo 64 games on Nintendo Switch Online. This is a heavily discussed topic, and Super Mario 64 is a top pick for the Switch.
2 GoldenEye 007
James Bond starred in possibly the greatest video game of all time based on a film. It might be tough to bring GoldenEye 007 to Nintendo Switch Online since it was developed by Rare, an Xbox company. This instant-classic has stood the test of time with a gripping campaign. The multiplayer would benefit from online functionality, and this is possible on Nintendo Switch Online. It wouldn't be the first offline Nintendo game to receive online support through Nintendo Switch Online.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time contained boss fights and RPG elements before games like Dark Souls and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt made it trendy. Ocarina of Time consistently places on lists for the best games of all time. This is a video game that propelled the Nintendo 64 with its diverse gameplay and small nuances. We received NES and SNES Zelda games; now, where is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? To see this in vivid HD is one of our deepest desires.