If you’re having trouble finding the best games to play on the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, here are some strong recommendations. These picks are subjective depending on what kind of genre of games you’re into, but some are sure to stick with you if you’re new or revisiting these classics.
The best games on Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
The following games are those available on the Expansion Pack, meaning they’re from the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, or Sega Genesis. If you’re looking for NES, SNES, or Game Boy picks, this isn’t the list for those.
Golden Sun – Game Boy Advance
Golden Sun was the gateway JRPG for a lot of Game Boy Advance owners. Graphics aside (because it’s just a GBA port), it puts many modern JRPGs to shame, just with its dungeons alone.
Its sequel, The Lost Age, is also on the NSO Expansion Pack subscription; so once you get through the original Golden Sun, there’s more to look forward to. Cherish that, since it seems that we aren’t getting any additional games aside from these two and the DS game. It’s a shame.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Since Sonic 3 and Knuckles isn’t on the catalog yet, this will do. This 16-bit classic appeals to older and newer generations of gamers alike. From the iconic levels beyond Emerald Hill like Hill Top Zone and Chemical Plant to others like Oil Ocean and Mystic Cave, and the soundtrack having almost all boppers, it’s a 16-bit package that’s hard to put down.
Then there’s the multiplayer aspect of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. You and a friend can either go head-to-head in a split-screen race mode or play cooperatively with the second player assuming control of Tails. Unfortunately, the Switch Online version doesn’t have Knuckles as a playable character, but it won’t take away much from an overall great experience.
Mario Party 3 – Nintendo 64
Say what you want about the previous two Mario Party games, but the third one takes the cake for more than its minigames. Mario Party 3 also has the Duel Mode, which was a lot of fun if you had only one other person to play with. It also has that single-player story mode to add some variety if you’re playing solo.
Streets of Rage 2 – Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
If you want a good ol’ beat ‘em up game from the 16-bit era, Streets of Rage 2 will scratch that itch and then some. I know I go on about the soundtracks for a lot of these titles, but Yuzo Koshiro’s work here is where it’s at; it’s so funky, so groovy, and fitting for when you’re beating up waves of large men to quell Mr. X’s crime syndicate.
There’s also a cooperative mode, so you and a buddy can team up and beat up some baddies in Streets of Rage 2 together.
Pokémon Stadium 2 – Nintendo 64
The first game was great, but Pokémon Stadium 2 just felt even more complete. Despite the Game Boy linking aspect being unavailable, the rentals do just fine, and it’s just a great nostalgic trip battling trainers and gym leaders from the Kanto and Johto regions.
Also, those mini-games provide a good break in-between all the battling and they’re tons of fun, especially with friends.
Metroid Fusion – Game Boy Advance
All the Metroid games prior to the Nintendo DS were bangers. The fact that Fusion is on the GBA assortment of games for the Expansion Pack means that you should, probably, play it. This holds more weight if you loved Metroid Dread too, since that is technically a sequel to this 2002 game.
Star Fox 64 – Nintendo 64
Star Fox hasn’t been the same since 64. This on-rails shooter is the pinnacle of the series. The planets, the corny dialogue, the branching paths, and the combat make the perfect package. Years later, I’m still chasing new scores on planets and raging when I instantly break a wing on Expert mode. Do yourself a favor and play this now.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Nintendo 64
Ocarina of Time is one of the games that defined the fifth generation of consoles. It’s often touted as one of the best games of all time, and these are fair remarks. At this point, if you have been playing Nintendo games for some time and never played Ocarina, now is the time. There’s no excuse; go play it.
Super Mario 64 – Nintendo 64
The introduction to the 3D era of Mario needs to be played. It’ll be a disservice to not even give this game a try. Not only is it one of the most speedrun games of all time because of the movement and mechanics, but the locales and soundtrack are also iconic.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards – Nintendo 64
You can point out that The Crystal Shards has lower aggregate scores compared to previous games on this list, but there’s something special about Kirby 64. It’s a fairly easy platformer, but the mechanic of combining abilities makes this so unique. The amount of secrets and all the extras in the game is perfect for players from all walks of life. Pair that with the fun multiplayer minigames, and this is too good to pass up.
