The Nintendo Switch Online Games Library Grows Once Again

Check out some new titles available for Switch Online's NES and SNES apps.

Feb 18, 2020

The library of NES and SNES games available for Nintendo Switch Online members has grown by a few. The service is the Switch's answer to the Virtual Console found on Nintendo Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. While the list of games available is currently far below that of the offerings on those consoles, having a whole bunch of classic games that you can access nearly instantly, and without having to pay for each title, it has potential if support can keep up. Nintendo has claimed, though that the rollout of games will be more of a trickle than a downpour, and consoles like Nintendo 64, GameBoy, and GameCube are absent despite the passionate wishes of many fans. As a bonus for subscribers, the list is nice, but it still feels like a much lesser version of the Virtual Console's height. The Nintendo Wii's online storefront, the Wii Shop Channel shut down back in January of last year, and the Switch's popularity has shot far past the Wii U, which struggled to find much success. There is huge potential in a Switch Virtual Console, but with subscription services being as popular as they currently are, maybe this is Nintendo's way of keeping up with trends. Either way, here are the new games coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service, some of which have never made their way over to North America before.

NES & Super NES - February Updates - Nintendo Switch Online

Shadow of the Ninja

First up, the NES games! Ninjas were huge in pop culture back in the '80s, and that was no different for video games. Classic games like Ninja Gaiden and the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat-em-ups gave NES fans a slice of the cunning warrior life. A lesser-known co-op platformer dating back to 1990. You can play with a friend, or pick from one of two main characters. Shadow of the Ninja is also the first game to feature both male and female set of heroes to play as. They control the same, though and are more just for appearance. If you've played Ninja Gaiden and want more classic NES action-platforming, give Shadow of the Ninja a try!

Shadow of the Ninja's pixel art oozes with style sometimes.

Eliminator Boat Duel

With a name like Eliminator Boat Duel, you know you're in for a good time. It is a racing game where you control a powerboat to win big. This one is all about being the best racer and taking home as much cash as you can so you can upgrade your craft and get ahead of the competition. This game seems pretty advanced for the time. There are multiple difficulty modes, something not all that common from games at the time (most are just hard), and there are two dozen racecourses to master. Check it out if you want something a bit more competitive.

We could really use an Eliminator Boat Duel sequel in 2020.

Pop'n Twinbee

Now for the SNES titles, this one never saw a release in the U.S. It's a top-down shooter or "cute-em-up" in a much more adorable world than most shoot-em-ups. The series was popular in Japanese arcades and consoles, but for some reason just never made it across the ocean until now. It has a useful feature where if you want to play with someone who is a bit less experienced with fast-paced shooters, the enemies will set their sights on player 1 more often. There are dozens of this type of game out there to enjoy, but if you want to experience a piece of unearthed gaming history (in North America), strap in and give it a try!

Cute 'em Up Shooter

Smash Tennis

No, it isn't a tennis spin-off of Super Smash Bros. unfortunately, but it is another game that is seeing its North American debut. Known as Smash Tennis in Europe, and Super Family Tennis in Japan, this game is a solid alternative to Mario Tennis if you just need a break from that troupe of plumbers, mushrooms, and Princesses (that you'll soon be able to visit for real).