10 Essential NES Games Still Missing From Switch Online

Polygon ·

The article argues that Nintendo Switch Online should add 10 notable NES games that remain unavailable through the service. It says the console’s catalogue is already strong, but these omissions leave players without several memorable games and potential retro discoveries.

The examples in the supplied text include Paperboy, praised for its well-suited NES presentation and quick arcade play; Kiwi Kraze, a challenging platform game with hidden routes and upgrades; and Adventure Island 3, another difficult tropical adventure. It also highlights the strategy RPG Destiny of an Emperor, with its long quest and group battles, and The Battle of Olympus, which follows Orpheus on a quest to reunite with Helene. The article text provided ends part-way through its discussion of the latter game.

In short

  • The article calls for 10 missing NES games to join Switch Online.
  • Paperboy, Kiwi Kraze and Adventure Island 3 are among the picks.
  • Destiny of an Emperor and The Battle of Olympus also feature.

Steelman: both sides, in good faith

The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.

The case for

Nintendo Switch Online would be richer if it added these games: they represent varied genres and design ideas, and could help players discover notable parts of NES history. For subscribers, making them available in one service would also be a convenient way to revisit or try games that may otherwise be difficult to access.

The case against

The service already has a strong NES catalogue, so adding every notable omission may not be a priority. Nintendo could reasonably focus on games with broader appeal, practical licensing or preservation considerations, and the resources needed to make each release work well, while players can seek out other titles through separate avenues.

Explained simply

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was Nintendo’s home console from the 1980s, and many games made for it are now considered classics. Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service for Switch owners that includes a library of older games, letting subscribers play them on a newer console.

The service’s NES collection covers a range of well-known titles, but it does not include every game from the original system. The games discussed here span arcade-style play, platform adventures and role-playing, including Paperboy, Kiwi Kraze, Adventure Island 3, Destiny of an Emperor and The Battle of Olympus.

Their absence matters to players interested in revisiting NES games or discovering titles they may have missed. Adding them would broaden the collection, though availability can depend on Nintendo’s choices and the rights to each game.

Entertainment Gaming

Read the full article at the source →

Log in to join the discussion