Nintendo is granting a lot of fan's wishes by finally adding N64 games to the Switch Online membership. It will cost a little bit more, but plenty of people are more than willing to throw in some extra scratch to play old classics. The service will launch with nine titles, and several more are already announced as on their way.
There are a few timeless classics that probably won't ever make it on the service - we're looking at you, GoldenEye 007 - but judging by the list below there will still be plenty to enjoy for many months after its launch. For clarity, this is just looking at games coming to the west, since Japan is getting a couple of exclusive titles.
16 Super Mario 64
It is curious seeing this one up here, considering Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Still, it is nice of Nintendo to add this N64 launch title for all Switch owners to enjoy. Its approach to 3D gaming revolutionized the medium and like many older Super Mario games remains a masterclass in game design.
15 Mario Kart 64
If you need a break from the massively successful Mario Kart 8, you can now jump into the N64 edition of the popular franchise. With online play, fans will be able to experience this title in a way never seen before. The graphics are quaint, but the gameplay still holds up.
14 Star Fox 64
Star Fox 2 was infamously canceled at the end of the SNES' life. Fortunately, Star Fox 64 made up for it with smooth gameplay and beautiful graphics. The tank segments are a highlight of the single-player, and the multiplayer is surprisingly fun too.
13 Yoshi's Story
Yoshi games are often seen as a little too easy for hardcore gamers. The games are still worth it for the beautiful art style and charm, something which Yoshi's Story has plenty of. Fans of Yoshi's Wooly World should go back to this N64 title.
12 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
What is there to say about this classic that hasn't already been said? Ocarina of Time has been re-released numerous times but still is unavailable on the Switch.
Newer Zelda fans who got into the series with Breath of the Wild now have a chance to go back and experience one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise.
11 WinBack: Covert Operations
This third-person shooter is also available on PS2, but this version has not been re-released anywhere. Released in 1999, WinBack is notable for featuring a cover system and laser pointer long before games like Metal Gear Solid 2 and Resident Evil 4 made it the norm.
10 Mario Tennis
It's Mario combined with tennis; you already fully understand the concept. This game serves as Waluigi's introduction into the mushroom kingdom. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is entirely up to you. It's a solid consolation prize for those who desperately want the Waluigi in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
9 Dr. Mario 64
We are unsure about Mario's credentials, but he doesn't need to be a real doctor to match up the colors of viruses in order to destroy them. There is nothing special here taking advantage of the N64, but it is a fun puzzle game nonetheless.
8 Sin And Punishment
Sin and Punishment is a rail shooter which utilizes a unique control scheme. Players are meant to hold the controller in the opposite way. We wonder how this will translate when playing with a Switch controller and not the recently announced N64 classic controller.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
All the following games will come out later, at an unspecified date, starting with The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
While not as celebrated as Ocarina of Time, it still is a beloved Zelda adventure and the unique time-traveling mechanic makes it distinct from its predecessor. There is also an emotional weight to the story lacking in other N64 titles.
6 Mario Golf
Even though there is now a Mario Golf for the Nintendo Switch, it will still be fun to go back to the N64 edition as a curiosity. After all, you don't really need cutting-edge visuals and responsive controls for a golf game. Besides, the N64's graphics have a unique charm.
5 Pokemon Snap
Fans have wanted this game re-released for ages now. It is less urgent with New Pokemon Snap being available, but we still appreciate being able to play the classic title. The game combines photography with puzzle elements as you figure out how to make the Pokemon pose in the best ways possible.
4 F-Zero X
With a lull in games F-Zero games for more than a decade, fans cannot wait to get their hands on this re-release.
It is notable for being one of the smoothest-performing games on the N64. This is another one that'll be interesting to play with online multiplayer capabilities.
3 Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Before jumping into Kirby's first fully 3D adventure, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, be sure to experience the character's N64's offering. At the time of its release in 2000, some were put off by the 2D gameplay, but time has looked back on it more fondly for its charm and whimsy.
2 Paper Mario
Ostensibly a sequel to Super Mario RPG, Paper Mario stands as one of the most celebrated RPGs for the N64. The gameplay is a point of praise, but the writing truly takes the cake. Developer Intelligent Systems has stuck with the series up until and including its most recent entry, The Origami King.
1 Banjo-Kazooie
This Rare Software game is already available on Xbox as a part of Rare Replay, but it is nice for Nintendo Switch owners to be able to get in on the fun once again. With Banjo showing up in Super Smash Bros., it is only right for the original game to make its way to the Switch too.