Why did Nintendo choose to handle these releases differently? According to its surprisingly lengthy FAQ, “In celebration of 30 years of Pokémon, we thought it would be fun to return to the ultimate versions of the original Pokémon adventures in the Kanto region with these special releases.” It also clarified that these titles aren’t planned for the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics collection.

In fact, it isn’t planning to add any of the classic titles to Nintendo Switch Online – not even the original Pokémon Red, Blue and Green. Don’t worry, though – it remains “focused” on providing non-Pokemon classics through the service.

As for why it chose to release FireRed and LeafGreen as opposed to their originals, “We thought users will appreciate the ultimate versions of those original adventures, which add various features and upgrades to the contents of Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version.”

Given the surprise nature of the announcement and Nintendo’s releasing an FAQ like this, it clearly anticipated concerns about simply cashing in on the nostalgia surrounding both titles.

Of course, that’s been a long-running criticism of the Pokémon franchise for a while now. At the moment, it remains to be seen where it could go next and what the next showcase could announce in terms of the future. There is Pokémon Pokopia, a life sim developed by Omega Force, launching on March 5th for Nintendo Switch 2. It was recently confirmed to offer a 20 to 40-hour-long story with even more content awaiting afterwards.

Due to “market conditions,” the Nintendo Switch, OLED Model, and Nintendo Switch Lite will see pricing increases. You can also expect physical and digital titles, accessories, amiibo and Nintendo Switch Online memberships to cost more. Of course, the company clarified that the Switch 2, its software and accessories won’t see price increases (for now).

The updated prices will be revealed later today on the Nintendo Store Canada website, so stay tuned. Whether the same price increases will affect other regions worldwide has yet to be confirmed.

As for the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s available worldwide for $449.99 and CAD 629.99. Titles like Mario Kart World, which ordinarily cost $79.99, retail for CAD 109.99.

For instance, Nintendo has released a new trailer to detail some of the new features that those subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will be able to use with N64 titles on the Nintendo Switch 2. Specifically, subscribers will be able to rewind their games, both view and change controls, and apply a CRT filter to your screen for a more retro look (which will be available with GameCube titles as well). Viewing and changing controls will be available on the Switch as well, but the other new features are all Switch 2- exclusive, Nintendo says. 

The Switch 2 launches on June 5, and will have three GameCube titles available at launch for the service’s subscribers in the form of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. Others, such as the likes of Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, Pokemon Colosseum, Luigi’s Mansion, and more, will be added down the line. 

Nintendo has added four additional Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles to the Nintendo Switch Online library. There’s puzzle title Kirby’s Star Tracker, Konami’s 1991 scrolling shooter Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, fantasy RPG The Sword of Hope, and this new batch of games’ one and only Game Boy Color title, Konami’s 1999 game Survival Kids. Check out Nintendo’s Twitter announcement below for glimpses of gameplay from all four newly added titles. 

Kirby’s Star Tracker, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, The Sword of Hope, and Survival Kids are available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers starting today.

Taking to Twitter, for instance, Nintendo has revealed that it has added the 1996 Rare-developed N64 fighting game Killer Instinct Gold to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library. Those subscribed to the costlier tier of the service will be able to play the fighter with all of the added bells and whistles of Nintendo Switch Online (such as save state functionality, for starters) starting now. 

Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of Killer Instinct Gold’s gameplay, its roster of fighters, its stages, modes, and more. 

As revealed during the Direct, the free window ends on March 31st, 2026. After that, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use it. “You would be able to find out about the NSO subscription there and get a sense of some of the functionality,” said Nintendo of America’s VP of player and product experience, Bill Trinen, to Polygon. If not subscribed, the C button is pretty much useless.

Regarding attaching a price to GameChat’s use, Trinen said it’s “part of the overall platform experience” while adding that Nintendo Switch Online is a “critical piece of the Switch 2 experience.” Thus far, Nintendo has confirmed that Expansion Pack subscribers will get Switch 2 upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom alongside GameCube Classics.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th for $449.99, but recent tariffs have delayed US pre-orders.

As reported by Nintendo Life, GameCube titles playable on the Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will feature a CRT filter option. For those looking for an even more authentic retro experience, the filter should come as a welcome addition.

GameCube titles will be available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on the Switch 2 on June 5, the day of the console’s release. At launch, three games will be available in the form of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. More games will follow down the line, including Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, Pokemon Colosseum, Luigi’s Mansion, and more.

Leaker NateTheHate has, for instance, claimed that Nintendo is set to add GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online library in the not-too-distant future. Speaking during a recent episode of his podcast, the leaker stated that Nintendo will begin adding GameCube titles to the subscription service at some point within the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch year. 

Interestingly, the leaker suggests that GameCube games could also be available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers on the Switch 1, not just on the upcoming next-gen console. What isn’t mentioned what its pricing structure will be. Presumably, it will be offered with a new and separate tier, similar to what Nintendo has done in the past with N64, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance titles, which are available only with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct will be roughly an hour long. Nintendo will also showcase new gameplay footage for several titles on Treehouse: Live events scheduled for April 3 and April 4.

Developed by Nintendo and published by Namco for the N64 in 2000, Ridge Racer 64 was the first game in the series for a non-PlayStation console. A remake of the racing title was released for the Nintendo DS in 2004, though it was much less well-received. The former, however, still has its fans, who should be thrilled about its upcoming re-release.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can play the game at no additional cost. It also features four-player split-screen multiplayer, a first for the series. The game also touts multiple modes, nine courses, 25 cars, and more. Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of what it has in store and stay tuned for more updates on forthcoming titles for Nintendo Switch Online.

Ridge Racer~ 🎶

Race with up to four players and experience fast-paced arcade action in Ridge Racer 64, available now for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members! #N64 pic.twitter.com/pvybSDyCS5

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 31, 2025

As a remaster of Tetris, available in 1998 for the Game Boy Color, Tetris DX received acclaim from critics and fans. It adds the classic Marathon mode, where players clear lines for as long as possible and two new modes – Ultra and 40 Lines. The former provides a three-minute time limit and tasks you with earning the most points before it runs out.

The latter only gives you 40 lines to clear with the twist of doing so as quickly as possible. You can also play against the CPU and, best of all, save your high scores to the battery, a novelty at the time.

Check out the release trailer below, with creator Alexey Pajitnov offering his thoughts on the titles and how the fans contributed to their success.