During the last Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It’s the awkwardly named upgrade from the regular membership that costs significantly more, and unlocks access to new content. New content includes Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, which are available now.
Nintendo Switch Online is needed to play Switch games such as Splatoon 3 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online, similar to other platform subscriptions such as PlayStation Plus. It also includes access to select NES and Super NES games. It costs $19.99 for one year, or $3.99 per month. A family plan is available for up to eight accounts for $34.99.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $49.99 a year, with the family plan at $79.99. Over twice as much!
Here’s what’s included in the Expansion Pack subscription:
- Animal Crossing Happy Home Paradise DLC (worth $24.99)
- Nintendo 64 games
- Mario Kart 64
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Star Fox 64
- Mario Tennis
- Super Mario 64
- Dr. Mario 64
- Yoshi’s Story
- Win Back: Covert Operations
- Sin & Punishment
- Sega Genesis games
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- M.U.S.H.A.
- Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millennium
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Shinobi 3
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- Strider
There’s a treasure trove of games in there, especially Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64. If you’re just looking for old Sega games, however, check out Sega Genesis Classics. It includes over 50 games (though not all of the above) for the one-time price of $29.99.
Unfortunately Nintendo removed the Super Mario 3D All-Stars bundle from the store. For now if you want to play Super Mario 64, you’ll need this pricey Expansion Pack.
One nice perk: online multiplayer for Mario Kart 64.
Hopefully more content will be added in the future to make the Expansion Pack a better value.
