As the hour until Nintendo Switch Online service draws near, a few more tidbits regarding the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games have come forth on the official Australian and European websites. This concerns both the software itself and the Nintendo Switch Online-exclusive NES controllers and how they’ll work (or won’t work).
NES games aren’t just receiving online multiplayer alone, but will also have up to four suspend points and an on-screen “cursor” with which to point to spots on the screen. The cursor will also be able to signal applause for whatever the active player does. All NES games in conjunction with the Switch Online mobile app will also include voice chat.
The NES games are compatible with the recently-announced NES controllers that work wirelessly with the Switch. Nintendo confirmed they will only work detached from the Switch and are only compatible with the NES software. When attached on the system’s rails, they will not function at all. Nintendo Switch Online members can pre-order them for $59.99 USD a set once the service launches. Only one set per membership (including Family Plan holders) can be ordered, with shipments expected by December.
Nintendo Switch Online switches online later tonight at 8 PM Pacific/11 PM Eastern, following a 3-hour period of eShop maintenance and the launch of Switch firmware version 6.0. This update includes all the hooks for the service, including multiple game patches to enable cloud saves and voice chat. The first 20 games for the NES line-up are listed below, with three new games to be added each month thereafter.
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Donkey Kong
- Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.
- Balloon Fight
- Ice Climber
- Dr. Mario
- The Legend of Zelda
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- Double Dragon
- River City Ransom
- Ghosts’n Goblins
- Tecmo Bowl
- Gradius
- Pro Wrestling
- Excitebike
- Yoshi
- Ice Hockey
- Baseball
