Finally! Nintendo Switch Online+ is Worth the Price of Admission

by | Feb 21, 2023 | Games

Okay, real talk. I was skeptical of Switch Online+ when Nintendo first released it, mostly because their online offerings have been scant or buggy or both in the past. Though I do love the mini-Virtual Console (I really want it back from the Wii era). When plus was first announced, the games on it were relatively underwhelming. Sure, there were two excellent 3D Zeldas (Majora’s Mask and Ocarina of Time, but otherwise, it was included a number of the “limited time” digital purchase like Mario 64. Which I had already bought to get in on the limited time availability–which is a crock in the digital age. The shiniest element was Sin & Punishment, which is a kick-ass rail shooter from Treasure previously unavailable in the States and EXTREMELY expensive to purchase on EBay. Still, was it worth doubling the price of the subscription compared to offerings on PlayStation and XBox? I didn’t think so.

Even with the addition of the Sega Genesis collection, which has some damn fine games in it, I didn’t think it was worth it. Mainly because I already had the Sega collection on Steam. So it felt wrong to buy it again when I could play them nicely already.

But during their last Nintendo Direct, they announced that Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advanced games would become available: GBC in the normal, cheaper online tier, and GBA games in the + tier. The inclusion of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3 is what it finally took to bump me over the edge to pick up the plus pack. It’s funny how the inclusion of just a few select items (and the promise of more cool titles) can push one over the edge for an upgrade.

Games included in Nintendo Online:

  • Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
  • Game & Watch Gallery 3
  • Gargoyle’s Quest
  • Kirby’s Dream Land
  • Metroid II – Return of Samus
  • Super Mario Land 2 – 6 Golden Coins
  • Tetris
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
  • Wario Land 3

Games included in Nintendo Online+ Expansion Pack:

  • Kuru Kuru Kururin
  • Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
  • Mario Kart: Super Circuit
  • Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
  • WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$