Nintendo Switch Online has become the primary location for players to access Nintendo's library of classic titles. The service currently boasts a slew of incredible games, including titles that were once thought to be a lost cause, such as Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007. However, to say that NSO has all the classic titles a player could ask for would be overselling it.
Although it boasts an impressive library, NSO is still missing many of Nintendo's classic games. These absences are a huge disappointment, as it denies Nintendo fans an accessible way to experience these beloved titles. Luckily, NSO is constantly updating, meaning that there's always a chance that some of these classics will be added eventually. In fact, with the Switch 2 just around the corner, 2025 might be the perfect time to prove to players that Nintendo remains committed to supporting NSO into the next generation.
10 Donkey Kong
First Released For Game Boy In 1994
At first, Donkey Kong for Game Boy doesn't seem like a necessary addition to NSO, as it looks like a simple port of the arcade classic. However, Donkey Kong is deceptive in that way, hiding an avalanche of creative and challenging levels behind the initial arcade game players are well-adjusted to. Donkey Kong goes from a simple port to an excellent puzzle platformer, serving as a precursor to the successful Mario vs. Donkey Kong puzzle game series.
Despite being a great title, Donkey Kong hasn't always been shown the recognition it deserves. In the 30 years following its release, Donkey Kong has only been rereleased one time for the 3DS virtual console, severely limiting its outreach to current Nintendo players. It's a shame that many players are unable to experience what this game has to offer, making Donkey Kong a necessary addition to NSO.
9 Kid Icarus: Of Myths And Monsters
First Released For Game Boy In 1991
The Kid Icarus series has never had the best luck. With only three titles to speak of, the Greek myth-inspired series joins the likes of F-Zero and Star Fox as a beloved IP that remains all but forgotten by Nintendo. Because of this, some of Pit's adventures are often kept in the shadows, and this is especially true of his second outing, titled Of Myths and Monsters.
Similar to Donkey Kong, Of Myths and Monsters has only seen one rerelease for the 3DS virtual console. However, Of Myths and Monsters's absence is arguably more upsetting, as it's one of the few games for players to remember Kid Icarus by. Of Myths and Monsters's addition to NSO wouldn't just be a great inclusion for members to try out, but would be a necessary step to prevent the Kid Icarus series from falling into obscurity.
8 WarioWare: Twisted!
First Released For Game Boy Advance In 2005
WarioWare: Twisted!'s lack of recognition is almost tragic, as the game serves as a pivotal point in Nintendo's history. The implementation of the gyro sensor in Twisted!'s cartridge was considered revolutionary at the time. The use of gyro was a perfect compliment to the gameplay of Twisted!, with the frantic movements only adding to the chaos and adrenaline that is a core part of the WarioWare series.
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Twisted! is an early example of Nintendo's fascination with gyro controls that would carry over to the company's later consoles, making it an important title in its history. A game that holds such significance deserves the chance to be experienced by players old and new on NSO. Twisted! is also a perfect game for Switch, which uses gyro controls for several of its major titles, meaning new players won't miss out on the original experience.
7 Conker's Bad Fur Day
First Released For N64 in 2001
Conker's Bad Fur Day is undoubtedly the strangest of Rare's many beloved platformers. The unlikely blend of cartoonish visuals with crude, adult humor is a major contrast to the more light-hearted tone of something like Banjo-Kazooie. Yet, it's this conflict of elements that gave Conker its charm, resulting in rave reviews upon release.
The recent addition of other beloved Rare originals to NSO, like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, gives Conker the chance to make a long-awaited comeback. The game's target of an older audience also makes it a perfect inclusion to NSO's mature N64 library, which is in desperate need of more titles. There are so many reasons why Conker would be a great addition to the service, making its absence truly baffling.
6 Sonic Advance Trilogy
First Released For Game Boy Advance From 2001 To 2004
The Sonic Advance trilogy of games remains an important part of the Blue Blur's history. As Sonic Team explored the mascot's jump to 3D on home consoles, developer Dimps continued the character's 2D outings on GBA, finding new and inventive ways to advance the formula. From the new playable characters, to the option of pairing any characters together in Sonic Advance 3, Dimps was committed to pushing the 2D series forward, making for an excellent series of platformers.
The Sonic Advance trilogy would serve as a major addition to NSO, making its return to a Nintendo console for the first time since its initial release (excluding Japan's exclusive rerelease on Wii U). Sega has shown interest in the past in making its titles available for Switch players, with NSO including a library of Sega Genesis games. This would give the trilogy the perfect opportunity to gain the same recognition from players that Sonic's Genesis outings consistently receive.
5 Diddy Kong Racing
First Released For N64 In 1997
Rare's own take on a kart racing game was truly unique. Diddy Kong Racing is brimming with personality and variety, with players able to take on each other on the ground, in the air or even on water. The addition of an adventure mode, with various worlds and bosses to race, only solidified the title as one of the most creative racing games at the time, and made Diddy Kong Racing a genuine Mario Kart competitor.
Diddy Kong Racing remains one of the few Rare titles on N64 that has yet to make an appearance on NSO. Aside from a remake on Nintendo DS, the title has often been left behind by Nintendo, denying newer players the chance to experience such an inventive kart racer. With the warm reception given to Rare's other classics on the service, it would certainly be a boost for NSO to add Diddy Kong Racing to its library in 2025.
4 Super Smash Bros.
First Released For N64 In 1999
The original Super Smash Bros. was unlike any other fighting game at the time. The primary goal of kicking characters off-stage made for a unique premise that contrasted with the likes of Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Moreover, the idea of a fighting game that includes some of Nintendo's best franchises would have sounded like a pipe dream, yet Smash Bros. made it happen.
It is shocking that Smash Bros. hasn't been added to NSO. The original game is still excellent to play today, while its polygonal art style gives Smash Bros. this unique charm that's unlike the other titles in the series. Smash Bros. remains an important game that deserves to be recognized for its impact on the fighting genre.
3 Chrono Trigger
First Released For SNES In 1995
Chrono Trigger is still just as timeless as when it first released. To this day, the game is still held in such high regard as a pivotal title for the RPG genre and for gaming in general. Everything from the controls, story, presentation and soundtrack have solidified Chrono Trigger's status as one of the greatest RPGs ever made.
With such a high status, Chrono Trigger has made multiple appearances across several consoles, giving the beloved classic ample opportunity to be experienced by as many people as possible. And yet, the game is still without a rerelease for current Switch players to take advantage of. Chrono Trigger's addition to NSO feels like a no-brainer, considering the game's popularity and impact, making it a top priority for the service in 2025.
2 Pokémon Red & Blue
First Released On Game Boy In 1996
The current support for Pokémon on NSO is incredibly confusing. As of December 2024, the service boasts a range of beloved titles in the series, including Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Stadium. Yet, despite all of these titles being included, NSO seems to be ignoring the games that started it all.
Red and Blue were the versions released outside of Japan in 1998; their predecessors were the near-identical Pocket Monsters Red and Green , released in Japan in 1996.
Pokémon Red and Blue are titles that are still held in such high regard, introducing the many series staples and features that make the franchise so beloved. Red and Blue's inclusion in NSO would be a perfect opportunity for players to visit where the series all began. Plus, their inclusion could be a good starting point for new players who could be more daunted by the abundance of content included in later generations.
1 Mother 3
First Released On Game Boy Advance In 2006
Years on from its first release, Mother 3 might still be the most requested Nintendo game to be brought to the West. EarthBound's status as one of the greatest RPGs of all time should be reason enough for Mother 3 to receive the worldwide recognition it deserves. Alas, that has yet to happen, with Mother 3 being kept exclusive to NSO in Japan as of December 2024.
However, there may still be hope for Mother 3 as Nintendo has shown interest in bringing more Japan-exclusive titles to NSO in the West. Most recently, Nintendo released F-Zero Climax for Nintendo Switch Online worldwide, marking its first release outside of Japan. With more games being brought over to the West, then maybe, just maybe, we'll finally get our hands on Mother 3 in 2025.
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Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to 2012’s Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED screen.
Brand Nintendo
Original Release Date March 3, 2017
Original MSRP (USD) $299.99
Weight .71 lbs
English (US) ·