Nintendo is bringing some Nintendo 64 games up to the Switch to launch the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription tier. To really engage the nostalgia in fans, the company is releasing an N64 controller that is compatible with the Switch.
The company released the preorder link for the Nintendo 64 Controller and the Sega Control Pad around the same time as the announcement of the pricing for the new tier. The pricing for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, Nintendo 64 Controller, and Sega Genesis Control Pad was announced after the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct that showed off its last free content update and upcoming DLC. The wireless Switch compatible Nintendo 64 controller is priced at $49.99.
It only took about 2 or 3 hours, but the pre-orders through Nintendo are now sold out. The button to pre-order is now replaced by a placeholder red button saying "Temporarily Sold Out." The Sega Genesis Control Pad, also $49.99, is still available as of writing. Nintendo has yet to acknowledge additional availability or a possible restock on their social media accounts. Furthermore, Nintendo seems to be the only place offering the controllers.
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack tier is priced at $49.99 with an option for a prorated price to upgrade for customers with an existing Nintendo Switch Online account, depending on how many days remain before the user's next yearly membership re-sign date. The Expansion Pack will have nine classic N64 games with an additional six N64 games coming sometime after the tier launches. It will also contain fourteen classic Sega Genesis games. The new subscription tier will launch on October 25th.
This development isn't all that surprising, given that Nintendo allowed for up to 4 controllers to be reserved per Nintendo Account. Hopefully, the need for a Nintendo Switch Online account kept away at least some of those pesky bots and scalpers that have terrorized gaming for the last year. The classic grey N64 controller was confirmed earlier to have rumble built-in. It is currently not clear, but the site says "additional controllers available late October. Hopefully, that means that more colors, maybe even some of the transparent colors, are coming after the Expansion Pack officially launches.
The Nintendo 64 Controller and Sega Genesis Control Pad for Nintendo Switch will launch on October 25th alongside the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.
Source: Nintendo Life