Nintendo Switch Online offers a variety of features for subscribers to the service, including online multiplayer, voice chat, and cloud saves. Perhaps most important are the NES and SNES games included in the Nintendo Switch Online base subscription, and the N64 and Sega Genesis titles that can be accessed through the optional Expansion Pack.
The Expansion Pack was a subject of controversy when first announced in October 2021, tallying an extra $50 to the service's base price of $20 a year. However, Nintendo has added to the Switch Online Expansion Pack in the past year, and a lot of subscribers are now satisfied with the service. Many find that the ever-increasing list of games, many of which can’t easily be found elsewhere, makes it a reasonable annual expense.
Nintendo recently announced that Expansion Pack subscribers will be getting yet another N64 game to enjoy on August 19. Wave Race 64 originally released in 1996 on the iconic Nintendo 64 console and is a follow-up to the 1992 Game Boy release of the same name. In the game, players do just what the title implies: race on the water on a jet ski, slaloming around buoys and performing stunts. Wave Race 64 was referred to as “F-Zero on water” and was extremely well received when it launched. It currently boasts an aggregate Metacritic score of 92 and a user score of 8.3.
Wave Race 64 was more than just riding around on 1996’s version of 3D water, however. Along with its very catchy soundtrack, the game features single-player Time Trial, Stunt, and Championship modes, as well as competitive multiplayer. There are also four difficulty levels, including reverse races, to keep things challenging for even the most skilled player.
Nintendo seems to be listening to player feedback when it comes to its online subscription service. Free game trials are a perk enjoyed by Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, giving players a chance to try full releases for one week. In the past, these have included Dead Cells, Stardew Valley, The World Ends With You, and most recently, MLB: The Show 22. Games available for a trial also usually go on sale on the eShop, and if purchased, progress made during the try-out period will transfer to the full game.
Also popular with Nintendo Switch Online subscribers is the family plan, which allows up to eight people to share a subscription for a slightly higher cost than the individual plan. This amounts to huge savings, even if just two people take advantage. In fact, Microsoft is currently beta testing a similar family plan for Xbox Game Pass subscribers that would reduce costs for families while still letting everybody keep separate accounts.
Wave Race 64 is currently available on Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.