The 23 classic Nintendo games Switch Online needs before 2026 ends

Nintendo Switch Online is a downgrade in many ways compared to the Virtual Console on the Nintendo Wii, Wii U and 3DS/2DS.

Having to pay a membership to play classic games that you don’t technically own has always rubbed gamers the wrong way, but what’s even more frustrating is the lack of new additions.

Nintendo Switch Online is still sorely lacking in its library, and below are some first-party Nintendo games that should be added to the service sooner rather than later.

SNES

Super Mario RPG

Despite getting a remake, there are plenty of gamers out there who’d love to play the original again.

Nintendo and Square Enix have played ball in the past, and they can do it again by bringing this beloved RPG to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

Super Scope 6

Perhaps the toughest sell on this list, but hear us out. Nintendo brought back the Virtual Boy library with a replica version of the OG VR kit…

Next, they should release a gyroscopic Super Scope to pair with this classic game, along with others…

Richard A. Brooks- Getty Images

Battle Clash

Battle Clash was another game that used the Super Scope, so Nintendo could easily re-release this alongside a tie-in peripheral.

Nintendo 64

Super Smash Bros.

Another game we’re shocked and amazed hasn’t been re-released sooner, but that might be because something cheekier is on the way…

We fear the Smash Bros games are being saved for a standalone release, which might not be too bad considering you’d actually own them then, rather than rent them.

Diddy Kong Racing

With Donkey Kong 64 being one of the latest additions to the Nintendo 64 library, Diddy Kong Racing simply has to be next.

It’s far more than a simple Mario Kart clone, and we’d love to explore its open-world again on a modern platform.

Conker's Bad Fur Day

Perhaps the most unlikely game on this list…Conker’s Bad Fur Day is remembered for its profanity and gore, so we can understand Nintendo not wanting to put this back in the public eye.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a fantastic platformer that deserves its flowers. If Nintendo is worried it could easily look into age-locking it for certain subscribers.

Perfect Dark

It’d go hand-in-hand with GoldenEye 64…Perfect Dark is a must-include for the Nintendo 64 library and out of all the remaining Rare games, this one feels like an easy one to bring back.

Nintendo GameCube (Nintendo Switch 2 only)

Super Smash Bros Melee

Like we said with Super Smash Bros., we think Melee and the other games will get standalone releases as opposed to Nintendo Switch Online ports.

If a standalone release means online multiplayer, we’d be game.

Nintendo

Animal Crossing

The original Animal Crossing game is wildly inferior to those that released after it, and yet it still has its charm.

We’d love to see this game return so players can experience the series’ origins, and the rude villagers…

Mario Kart: Double Dash

Having two racers per kart rather than one is a gimmick that’s never been done again in a Mario Kart game, making Mario Kart: Double Dash still worth playing in 2026.

This plus online multiplayer would be an absolute riot, especially since so many were disappointed with Mario Kart World.

Mario Superstar Baseball

Out of every game on this list, Mario Superstar Baseball might be the one we want the most.

It’s stupidly expensive in Europe at the moment, despite being a lot of fun, and very different to the tennis and golf games.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

With The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker already on the service, it shouldn’t be long before Twilight Princess is stood alongside it.

This grittier take on the Zelda series is an all-time banger, and we can’t wait to see it again.

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

When Metroid Prime Remastered dropped many expected Metroid Prime 2: Echoes would be next.

That’s still a possibility, but for now a port for Nintendo Switch Online seems more likely than another remaster.

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was originally released for the Nintendo GameCube alongside some nifty connective bongo drums.

Mike Fanous - Getty Images

However, the Nintendo Wii re-release proved motion controls worked just fine too, perhaps even better, so a version that utilises the Switch Joy-Cons would be stellar.

Donkey Konga

If you’re going to have Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, Donkey Konga would have to be next.

This funky rhythm game is in a bit of a tough spot however due to its licensed music, so don’t hold your breath.

Doshin the Giant

This one might be tricky to get on the service but it’d be so, so worth it. Doshin the Giant is one of the weirdest games you’ll ever play.

It’s about a godly giant who tends to the needs of some island folk, or torments them for fun. That part is up to you.

Star Fox Adventures

Despite being a wildly different Star Fox game, Star Fox Adventures still has its fans, and given the recent release of Star Fox (2026) there’s bound to be more fans than ever.

Star Fox: Assault could be next, but out of the two Star Fox Adventures is the clear favourite.

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

You can’t go wrong with a Mario Golf game, and in our humble opinion there are none better than Toadstool Tour.

This one’s a no-brainer and frankly we’re surprised it hasn’t been added already.

Mario Power Tennis

Like Mario Golf, Mario Tennis is a must-have game for any Nintendo console library, with Mario Power Tennis being no exception.

Perhaps there’s some hesitance here due to Mario Tennis Fever being one of the few first-party Switch 2 games, but that’s no reason to exclude it from Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions.

Mario Party 4, 5, 6 and 7

All three Mario Party games for the Nintendo 64 are readily available for Expansion Pass owners, so it’d make sense to complete the set for those also with a Nintendo Switch 2.

It’d be great value too, as Mario Party 6 and Mario Party 7 are both quite costly nowadays since they used custom-made microphones for some minigames.