18 Essential Retro Games to Explore on Nintendo Switch Online

With Nintendo’s recent remaster of Metroid Prime on the Switch, now is the perfect time to revisit the other standout in the series: Super Metroid. Building on the groundwork of Metroid (NES) and Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy)—both available on Nintendo Switch Online—Super Metroid is a refined masterpiece of exploration and action. While later entries like Metroid Dread streamline navigation, Super Metroid embraces the series’ roots, offering a more open and immersive experience. It encourages you to lose yourself in the haunting world of Zebes, complemented by an unforgettable soundtrack and stunning pixel art. Is Super Metroid a flawless game? Absolutely. The answer is a resounding yes.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Wario Land 3 (Game Boy Color)

Tetris is a game that needs no introduction. Its cultural impact is so significant that Apple recently released a feature film about its origins, starring Taron Egerton. As the Game Boy’s defining title, Tetris captivated players of all ages, including parents. Decades later, its straightforward yet addictive gameplay remains timeless, its catchy tunes linger in your mind, and the satisfying jingle from clearing four lines still brings a rush of joy. While newer versions of Tetris have improved upon the formula, the Game Boy original remains a legendary piece of gaming history.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine (Sega Genesis)

The Paper Mario series has seen its share of highs (The Thousand Year Door) and lows (Super Paper Mario), but the original game remains a timeless classic. Its witty, humorous writing and simple JRPG mechanics make it a standout. Later entries in the series strayed from traditional combat, introducing unconventional mechanics that often felt unnecessary. Paper Mario serves as a reminder that simplicity can be a strength.

While the Nintendo 64 lacked a robust library of Japanese RPGs, Paper Mario stands tall alongside PlayStation’s best. Its charm and gameplay hold up remarkably well, even two decades later.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Game Boy Advance)

Treasure, the developer behind some of the most energetic run-and-gun games of the 16-bit era, delivered a masterpiece with Gunstar Heroes. Known for its vibrant pixel art, fast-paced gameplay, and a wealth of power-ups, this title feels like an anime-inspired twist on Contra, offering players flexibility in how they approach the game. The first four levels can be tackled in any order, similar to Mega Man, and players can customize their starting weapon and aiming style. This freedom encourages replayability and experimentation, making it a standout title.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Sin & Punishment (N64)

The 16-bit era is renowned for its iconic Japanese RPGs, often dominated by titles like

Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. However, Sega’s Phantasy Star IV, led by the late Rieko Kodama, is a gem that rivals Square’s best. As the culmination of the series, it combines a sci-fi setting with engaging combat, a compelling narrative, and unique comic book-style cutscenes. This departure from the typical medieval fantasy theme makes it a refreshing and memorable entry in the genre.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Breath of Fire II (Super NES)

Speed is the name of the game in F-Zero X, a title that redefined fast-paced racing on the Nintendo 64. Building on the foundation of its Super NES predecessor, this sequel introduces a larger roster of racers, diverse gameplay modes, and intricate tracks designed to showcase the incredible velocity of its hover cars. Despite sacrificing graphical detail for a smooth 60fps experience, its gameplay remains timeless and outperforms many other N64 titles.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)

Navigate a spinning stick through intricate mazes and feel your stress levels rise! The Game Boy Advance, with its modest hardware and affordable development, became a hub for unique titles, and Kuru Kuru Kururin stands out as one of the most charming and fun. Watching the speedrun from Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 is guaranteed to fill you with a mix of delight and amazement.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Mario’s Super Picross (Super NES)

Let’s be honest, this game isn’t the most enjoyable to play. However, as an 8-bit adaptation of the 2001 reboot for PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Windows (with a later European PlayStation 2 release), it’s a remarkable technical achievement. Attempting to replicate the Resident Evil-style fixed-camera survival horror on a handheld was a bold move (Capcom even scrapped a similar Resident Evil port for the Game Boy Color). While it’s impressive to see the system pushed to its limits, you’ll likely only spend a few minutes here before moving on to something better.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Spending a night in a haunted house

Nintendo has crafted countless exceptional games, particularly within the Mario franchise. However, this late-era Super NES release might just be the crown jewel. Trading his iconic blue overalls for a diaper, Mario steps aside as a group of Yoshis take the lead, navigating Bowser’s minions to reunite baby Mario with his twin brother Luigi. Packed with inventive level designs, delightful crayon-style visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack, Yoshi’s Island took bold creative risks that paid off spectacularly. Even its sequels on the Nintendo 64 and DS couldn’t replicate its magic, solidifying its status as a 16-bit platforming masterpiece.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Yoshi’s Story (N64)

You might have assumed that A Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time were the best Zelda games available on Nintendo Switch Online. While those are fantastic, the true gem is Link’s Awakening DX. This compact adventure, set on a tropical island, delivers flawless pacing and meticulous design. Though managing items with only two buttons can be tricky, the charming characters, vibrant world, and expertly crafted dungeons more than compensate. The Switch remake was a commendable effort, but the original Game Boy Color version, with its DX enhancements, remains timeless.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Beyond Oasis (Sega Genesis)

For many, their favorite Mario Kart is the one they played first, and for a large number of fans, that’s Mario Kart 64. Even if it’s not your top pick (shoutout to Super Mario Kart), this entry revolutionized the series with four-player multiplayer, the divisive drift mechanic, and the infamous blue shell. While Goldeneye is often hailed as the definitive N64 multiplayer experience, Mario Kart 64 holds up remarkably well today and remains a blast to play.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Super Mario Kart (N64)

As demonstrated by Link’s Awakening, Nintendo’s handheld consoles were an ideal platform for the Zelda series. While Minish Cap doesn’t quite reach the same level of refinement as its Game Boy predecessor, it excels with numerous quality-of-life enhancements, stunning pixel art, and a captivating overworld that elevates the portable Zelda experience. The Game Boy Advance’s lack of a backlit screen led to bold, colorful visuals, and Minish Cap leverages this beautifully, bringing The Wind Waker’s iconic art style to a handheld format. Despite having only six dungeons, its focus on quality over quantity cements its place as one of the GBA’s finest titles.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Link to the Past (Super NES)

While the original Super Mario Bros. sparked a gaming revolution and Super Mario Bros. 2 remains underappreciated, Super Mario Bros. 3 stands as the pinnacle of the series. It elevated the platforming formula with innovative power-ups like the raccoon tail for flight, concise and dynamic levels, and a map system that added a grand sense of adventure. This 8-bit masterpiece is a testament to gaming perfection.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Super Mario World (Super NES)

Among the Super NES’s renowned Japanese RPGs, EarthBound stands out as a masterpiece. While many RPGs of the era drew inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons, EarthBound takes players to the unconventional setting of the American Midwest. Created by Shigesato Itoi, who voiced the father in the Japanese version of Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro, this game blends quirky humor and a unique setting with a classic RPG structure reminiscent of the Dragon Quest series. With a character named Poo, how could you resist giving it a try?

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: EarthBound Beginnings (NES)

What if I told you that Tetris isn’t the best puzzle game on this list? Originally released in the West as Tetris Attack with a Yoshi’s Island theme, Nintendo Switch Online now offers the Japanese version, Panel de Pon. While the core gameplay remains the same, this charming and addictive puzzle game is impossible to put down once you start matching tiles.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Pokemon Puzzle League (N64)

WarioWare’s rapid-fire minigames are the perfect counter to today’s sprawling open-world games. While many Game Boy Advance titles aimed to replicate console experiences, this game embraced the handheld’s portability with quick, quirky challenges. From dodging arrows to picking your nose, WarioWare is impossible to categorize and offers the same “one more round” addictiveness as the best puzzle games. It’s a glimpse of what mobile gaming could have been without microtransactions. While newer entries like WarioWare: Get It Together! keep the series alive, the original’s creativity, charm, and iconic sound design remain unmatched.

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Mario Party (N64)

While Comix Zone offers a dose of ‘90s attitude and solid beat ‘em up mechanics, its standout feature is its innovative presentation. Designed to mimic the pages of a comic book, the game lets you battle through panels, smash through artwork, and follow the story via speech bubbles and text boxes. While modern games like What Remains of Edith Finch have experimented with similar styles, Comix Zone was a trailblazer, especially impressive given its release on the same console as Altered Beast (also available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack).

Expansion Pack required? Yes

If you like this, try: Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis)

A follow-up to the Game Boy’s Gargoyle’s Quest (also on Nintendo Switch Online and highly recommended), Demon’s Crest is a Ghosts ‘n Goblins spinoff that blends action-platforming with Metroidvania-inspired exploration. Players must revisit earlier areas as they gain new abilities to collect the six elemental Crests and defeat the demon Phalanx. Though challenging, it’s a rewarding experience, especially with the help of Nintendo Switch Online’s save state and rewind features. A true hidden gem.

Expansion Pack required? No

If you like this, try: Gargoyle’s Quest (Game Boy)