The RetroBeat: The Consoles That Should Be In The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack

Nintendo announced today that its new level for Nintendo Switch Online will cost $ 50 per year, and I’m still trying to process it.

It costs more than twice as much as the original version of NSO, and all so you can access a handful of Genesis and Nintendo 64 games (and an Animal Crossing: New Horizons expansion).

Do you know what would make this prize more digestible? No more retro consoles on Switch. And while rumors suggest Game Boy and Game Boy Color are on the way, that’s not going to cut it. I want more and I have specific systems in mind.

Sega master system

I’ve already complained about how difficult it is to play Sega Master System games these days. Sega, and now even Nintendo, are flooding us with Genesis compilations. Look, I love the Genesis, but give us a chance to check out all of these underrated 8-bit console titles from Sega.

Even though we can’t get the Disney games – like Land of Illusion or Lucky Dime Caper – due to licensing fees, it would be great to have the Zelda-type Golden Ax Warrior and the 8-bit Sonic games on Switch.

Nintendo GameCube

Part of me always feels like I expect too much from Nintendo by wanting GameCube games. Then I remember that this system turns 20 this year.

I love the GameCube, but come on. Let’s stop pretending that its games are somehow less retro than anything from the Nintendo 64 era. Give me Super Smash Bros. Melee on Switch with online support, and that alone will make the $ 50 per year price tag for the expansion pack seem tolerable.

Game Boy Advance

We already have great collections of Game Boy Advance games from the Castlevania and Mega Man Zero series on Switch. Now give me more.

Honestly, it’s downright rude not being able to play Metroid Fusion or Zero Mission on the Switch. I’m also dying to have an excuse to play Wario Land 4 and Golden Sun. The Game Boy Advance has one of the best libraries of all time. Nintendo needs to exploit this as soon as possible.

TurboGrafx-16

Of course, compared to the Genesis and SNES, the TurboGrafx-16 will always be that other 16-bit console. But it still has some great games, including the Bonk series of 2D platform games, Devil’s Crush digital pinball game, and The Legendary Ax action sidecroller.

Some of us retro fans got the TurboGrafx-16 Mini, which offers a great way to play many of its best games. But it would certainly be handy to have them only on Switch.

Sega Saturn

Now that would be exciting. The Saturn has an incredible and original library of games that have rarely made appearances on other platforms. If Nintendo and Sega could work to make them work on Switch, then I’d even be willing to pay over $ 50 a year.

I imagine having access to the magnificent beat-’em-up Astal, the ambitious sci-fi fire fighting game Burning Rangers and the revered RPG Panzer Dragoon Saga on my Switch, and it makes me beam with giddiness. The Saturn is depressingly underrated and its games deserve better. Put them on Switch so they get the second life they deserve.

The RetroBeat is a weekly column that delves into the gaming past, delving into classics, new retro titles, or how old favorites – and their design techniques – are inspiring today’s market and experiences. . If you have any retro themed projects or scoops that you would like to send me, please contact me.