The Nintendo Switch Online service not only lets Switch owners play their consoles online, but it also allows them to access a variety of classic games. Until now, the majority of those classic games have been NES and SNES titles, but Nintendo has announced plans to expand Nintendo Switch Online in the near future with a higher-priced subscription tier that it's calling the Expansion Pack. Set to launch in late October, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will get players access to classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
There will be nine Nintendo 64 games on Switch Online when the Expansion Pack launches, versus 14 Sega Genesis games. The Nintendo Direct didn't make it clear if Nintendo plans on adding more Sega Genesis games to Switch Online in future updates or not, but one would imagine so, as there are some major Genesis titles that are currently not a part of the initial Switch Online lineup.
Here are all the Sega Genesis games that have been announced for Switch Online so far. These games will be available for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack service beginning late October. Nintendo plans on sharing more details about the Switch Online Expansion Pack release date and pricing information in the near future, so fans should keep an eye out.
Nintendo Switch Online Sega Genesis Games List
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- MUSHA
- Phantasy Star 4
- Shinobi 3
- Strider
Nintendo Switch gamers can play the Switch Online Sega Genesis games using Joy-Con controllers and Pro controllers, but they also have the option of using a new Switch controller that looks just like an old-school Genesis controller. The Sega Genesis Switch controller will be available to purchase for Switch Online subscribers soon and it will retail for $49.99. This will allow Switch gamers to get the most authentic Sega Genesis experience possible on Nintendo's home console/handheld hybrid.
It will be interesting to see what the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack pricing winds up being. There's definitely value with all the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games coming to the service, but there are already a variety of Sega Genesis collections out there that have more titles and features. Fans will just have to stay tuned for more information on Nintendo's plans for Sega Genesis and Switch Online.