Nintendo Classics
| Developer | Nintendo European Research & Development |
|---|---|
| Type | Classic video game distribution and emulation |
| Launch date |
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| Platforms | |
| Status | Active |
| Website | Official website |
Nintendo Classics is a line of emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Launched in 2018, subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC). A more expensive subscription tier, titled "Expansion Pack", was introduced in 2021. Through this tier, players can also access Nintendo 64 (N64), Sega Genesis (GEN), Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Virtual Boy (VB) games, with GameCube (GCN) exclusively available on Nintendo Switch 2. Each console's library is accessed through a dedicated app, with new games being added on an irregular basis. Games are accessible as long as the user has an active subscription, and a user must connect to the internet at least once a week to continue to access services while offline.
The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends. The emulators also support control remapping and save states, with most consoles also allowing players to rewind gameplay. Some NES and SNES games also have an alternative version labeled "SP" ("Extra" in some regions) which alters the game in some way, typically unlocking additional modes, starting the player with additional items or levels, or starting the player midway through the game.
Nintendo Classics features numerous titles that were not available on Nintendo's Virtual Console. Some games saw their first re-release in any form since their original debut including Pro Wrestling, Vice: Project Doom and Pilotwings 64. The Nintendo Classics service marks the first release in North America for some games, such as Pop'n TwinBee, Smash Tennis and Mario's Super Picross.