Nintendo’s Upcoming “Expansion Pack” Could Dethrone Xbox Game Pass

Nintendo has announced a new tier to its Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription plan, which is expected to roll out at the end of October. Titled “Expansion Pack”, the upcoming service will allow its users to download a neat little batch of Nintendo 64 and Genesis games, with their respective wireless controllers also launching around the same time.

Included in the first round of Nintendo 64 games is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, WinBack, Star Fox 64, Mario Tennis, Yoshi's Story and Dr Mario 64. Oh, and Nintendo also mentioned having Majora's Mask, Banjo-Kazooie, Pokémon Snap, as well as a few others eventually roll out onto the service, too.

As far as Genesis titles go, users will be able to play Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Ecco the Dolphin, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Contra: Hard Corps, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, Golden Axe, Gunstar Heroes, M.U.S.H.A., Phantasy Star IV, Ristar, Shining Force, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master and Strider. *Exhales*

Unleash your inner 90s self next month with the “Expansion Pass”, coming to NSO.

There's a new sheriff in town — and it's bringing the nineties back…

All of the above games will be available near the end of October, with plenty more set to plant roots in the future. So, quite the catch — especially for 90s gamers. And, considering NSO already boasts 100± SNES games, all of which are ripe for the picking — we do have to put the plan up on a pedestal alongside the likes of Xbox Game Pass. Or maybe even PlayStation Now, depending on which one you prefer. If any, of course.

While worlds and platforms apart, we do have to acknowledge Nintendo's strong efforts for ramping up their subscription game. Although still in its infancy, NSO is definitely an underdog worth keeping an eye on. The fact is — if Game Pass can captivate millions of players with its 360 titles — then why can't Nintendo with their beloved 64 catalogue? After all, there's an abundance of quality games, and people are desperate to see them sparkle in a brand new light.

You had us at wireless. Just take our money already.

Whatever the future holds for Nintendo, either good or bad — we're pretty excited to follow the Switch makers into the very corners of the world. If only to catch another glimpse of some of the most cherished works of art ever produced for the gaming platform.

You can pick up your subscription to Nintendo Switch Online for $3.99 a month. The “Expansion Pack” is expected to launch next month. You can follow the updates for the platform on the official handle here.