Nintendo Classics is a line of emulated retro games distributed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online service have access to several dedicated Nintendo Classics apps, each one containing an emulator for a previous Nintendo game console with a library of playable games. Games are accessible as long as the user has an active subscription, although users must connect to the internet at least once a week to access the apps whilst offline. The library was launched alongside the Nintendo Switch Online service in 2018 with 20 Nintendo Entertainment System games, and has expanded to include games from several other consoles, with new games being added on an irregular basis. Subscribers to the more expensive Nintendo Switch Online subscription tier, titled "Expansion Pack", have access to more consoles. The library features numerous games that were not available on the Virtual Console service of Nintendo's previous systems, with some games receiving their first international release through Nintendo Classics.
Features
Each Nintendo Classics console emulator is accessed from a dedicated app, with players able to select a game to play from a provided list. The emulators support control remapping and save states, with most consoles also allowing players to rewind gameplay. The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends. 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.
Subscribers can purchase wireless controllers based on those of the represented systems through Nintendo's online store. The controllers have additional buttons for compatibility with the Switch and Switch 2 interface, and enable special Easter eggs when used with the corresponding console emulator.
Standard subscription
Nintendo Entertainment System The Nintendo Switch Online service launched on September 19, 2018, with 20 Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games available for play at launch. During its first year, Nintendo Classics provided a new batch of NES games on a monthly basis. , there are 99 games and 20 "SP" variations available, including the following: +List of NES games on Nintendo ClassicsRelease dateGamePublisher(s)/September 19, 2018Balloon FightNintendoBaseballNintendoDonkey KongNintendoDouble DragonArc System WorksDr. MarioNintendoExcitebikeNintendoGhosts 'n GoblinsCapcomGradiusKonamiIce ClimberNintendoIce HockeyNintendoNintendoMario Bros.NintendoPro WrestlingNintendoRiver City RansomArc System WorksSoccerNintendoSuper Mario Bros.NintendoSuper Mario Bros. 3NintendoTecmo BowlKoei TecmoTennisNintendoYoshiNintendoOctober 10, 2018NintendoNES Open Tournament GolfNintendoSolomon's KeyKoei TecmoSuper Dodge BallArc System WorksNovember 14, 2018Gradius SP (Stage 5)KonamiMetroidNintendoMighty Bomb JackKoei TecmoNES Open Tournament Golf SPNintendoTwinBeeKonamiDecember 12, 2018Adventures of Lolo (NA)HAL LaboratoryAdventures of Lolo (JP)HAL LaboratoryDr. Mario SPNintendoMetroid SP (Ridley battle)NintendoNinja GaidenKoei TecmoWario's WoodsNintendoJanuary 16, 2019Blaster MasterSunsoftGhosts'n Goblins SPCapcomJoy Mech FightNintendoNinja Gaiden SPKoei TecmoZelda II: The Adventure of LinkNintendoFebruary 13, 2019Blaster Master SPSunsoftKirby's AdventureNintendoMetroid SP (Mother Brain battle)NintendoSuper Mario Bros. 2NintendoTsuppari Ōzumō Koei TecmoMarch 13, 2019Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of LightNintendoKid IcarusNintendoKirby's Adventure SPNintendoStarTropicsNintendoYie Ar Kung-FuKonamiZelda II: The Adventure of Link SPNintendoApril 10, 2019Kid Icarus SPNintendoPunch-Out!!NintendoStar SoldierKonamiSuper Mario Bros.: The Lost LevelsNintendoMay 15, 2019Clu Clu LandNintendoClu Clu Land: Welcome to New Cluclu LandNintendoDonkey Kong Jr.NintendoStar Soldier SPKonamiVs. ExcitebikeNintendoJune 12, 2019City ConnectionCity ConnectionDouble Dragon II: The RevengeArc System WorksTwinBee SPKonamiVolleyballNintendoJuly 17, 2019Donkey Kong 3NintendoMighty Bomb Jack SPKoei TecmoWrecking CrewNintendoAugust 21, 2019Downtown Nekketsu March: Super-Awesome Field Day!Arc System WorksGradius SP (Second loop)KonamiKung-Fu HeroesCulture BrainVice: Project DoomSegaDecember 12, 2019CrystalisSNKFamicom WarsNintendoJourney to SiliusSunsoftRoute-16 TurboSunsoftFebruary 19, 2020Eliminator Boat DuelPiko InteractiveSunsoftShadow of the NinjaNatsume Inc.April 20, 2020Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light SP (Medeus Battle)NintendoFire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light SP (Triangle Attack)NintendoMay 20, 2020RygarKoei TecmoJuly 15, 2020Piko InteractiveSeptember 23, 2020S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack TeamNatsume Inc.December 18, 2020NightshadePiko InteractiveSmash Ping PongNintendoFebruary 17, 2021Fire 'n IceKoei TecmoMay 26, 2021Ninja JaJaMaru-kunCity ConnectionJuly 28, 2021Super Mario Bros. 3 SPNintendoFebruary 9, 2022EarthBound BeginningsNintendoMarch 30, 2022Dig Dug IIBandai Namco EntertainmentMappy-LandBandai Namco EntertainmentMay 26, 2022PinballNintendoJuly 21, 2022Daiva Story 6: Imperial of NirsartiaD4 EnterpriseMarch 15, 2023XeviousBandai Namco EntertainmentJune 5, 2023Mystery TowerBandai Namco EntertainmentOctober 31, 2023Devil WorldNintendoNintendoNinja JaJaMaru-kun SPCity ConnectionFebruary 21, 2024R.C. Pro-AmXbox Game StudiosSnake Rattle 'n' RollXbox Game StudiosJuly 4, 2024Cobra TriangleXbox Game StudiosDonkey Kong Jr. MathNintendoFamicom Mukashibanashi: Shin OnigashimaNintendoGolfNintendoGomoku Narabe RenjuNintendoMach RiderNintendoMah-JongNintendoSolar JetmanXbox Game StudiosUrban ChampionNintendoDecember 12, 2024TetrisNintendoNovember 26, 2025BattletoadsXbox Game StudiosNinja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of ChaosKoei TecmoApril 9, 2026Mendel PalaceBandai Namco EntertainmentPac-ManBandai Namco EntertainmentThe Tower of DruagaBandai Namco EntertainmentSeptember 2, 2026Dragon BusterBandai Namco EntertainmentIkari WarriorsSNKNinja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of DoomKoei TecmoR.C. Pro-Am IIXbox Game Studios
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 4, 2019, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games were added to the service worldwide with 20 titles on September 5, 2019. An update on July 29, 2025, added the ability to remap each game's controls, as well as support for Super NES Mouse controls with compatible games; Switch 2 allows these games to be controlled with the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls, while playing on Switch requires a compatible USB mouse. , there are 85 games and 7 "SP" variations available, including the following:
+List of SNES games on Nintendo ClassicsRelease dateGamePublisher(s)/September 5, 2019Brawl BrothersCity ConnectionBreath of FireCapcomDemon's CrestCapcomF-ZeroNintendoJoe & Mac 2: Lost in the TropicsG-ModeKirby's Dream CourseNintendoKirby's Dream Land 3NintendoNintendoPilotwingsNintendoSmash TennisBandai Namco EntertainmentStar FoxNintendoStunt Race FXNintendoSuper E.D.F. Earth Defense ForceCity ConnectionSuper Ghouls 'n GhostsCapcomSuper Mario KartNintendoSuper Mario WorldNintendoSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi's IslandNintendoSuper MetroidNintendoSuper Puyo Puyo 2SegaSuper Soccer (removed on March 28, 2025)Spike ChunsoftSuper TennisNintendoDecember 12, 2019Breath of Fire IICapcomKirby Super StarNintendoStar Fox 2NintendoSuper Punch-Out!!NintendoFebruary 19, 2020Pop'n TwinBeeKonamiMay 20, 2020Operation Logic BombCity ConnectionPanel de PonNintendoWild GunsNatsume Inc.July 15, 2020Donkey Kong CountryNintendoNatsume Championship WrestlingNatsume Inc.Shin Megami TenseiAtlus September 3, 2020Super Mario All-StarsNintendoSeptember 23, 2020Donkey Kong Country 2NintendoFire Emblem: Mystery of the EmblemNintendoMario's Super PicrossNintendoCity ConnectionDecember 18, 2020Amazing HeberekeSunsoftDonkey Kong Country 3NintendoCity ConnectionKunio-kun no Dodgeball da yo Zen'in Shūgō!Arc System WorksSuper Valis IVEdiaTuff E NuffCity ConnectionFebruary 17, 2021Doomsday WarriorEdiaPrehistorik ManInterplay EntertainmentPsycho DreamEdiaShin Megami Tensei IIAtlusMay 26, 2021Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy WarNintendoJoe & MacG-ModeMagical Drop IIG-ModeSpanky's QuestNatsume Inc.Super Baseball Simulator 1.000Culture BrainSuper Mario Kart SPNintendoJuly 28, 2021BombuzalThrowback EntertainmentClaymatesInterplay EntertainmentJelly BoyThrowback EntertainmentShin Megami Tensei If…AtlusFebruary 9, 2022EarthBoundNintendoSuper Metroid SPNintendoMarch 30, 2022Earthworm Jim 2Interplay EntertainmentHarvest MoonNatsume Inc.Super Mario World SPNintendoSuper Punch-Out!! SPNintendoMay 26, 2022Congo's CaperG-ModeRival Turf!City ConnectionUmihara KawaseStudio SaizensenJune 9, 2022Kirby Super Star SPNintendoKirby's Dream Course SPNintendoKirby's Dream Land 3 SPNintendoJuly 21, 2022Fighter's HistoryG-ModeKirby's AvalancheNintendoKirby's Star StackerNintendoMarch 15, 2023Side PocketG-ModeFebruary 21, 2024Battletoads in BattlemaniacsXbox Game StudiosKiller InstinctXbox Game StudiosApril 12, 2024Marvelous: Mōhitotsu no TakarajimaNintendoSuper R-TypeCity ConnectionWrecking Crew '98NintendoSeptember 18, 2024AngeliqueKoei TecmoBattletoads/Double DragonXbox Game StudiosBig RunCity ConnectionCosmo Gang the PuzzleBandai Namco EntertainmentJanuary 24, 2025Fatal Fury 2TakaraSuper Ninja BoyCulture BrainSutte HakkunNintendoMarch 28, 2025Nobunaga's AmbitionKoei TecmoNobunaga's Ambition: Lord of DarknessKoei TecmoRomance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of FireKoei TecmoUncharted Waters: New HorizonsKoei TecmoJuly 29, 2025Mario PaintNintendoOctober 9, 2025Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred KindAtariFatal Fury SpecialTakaraMario & WarioNintendo
Game Boy and Game Boy Color Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC) games were added to the service worldwide with 10 games the same day. The Game Boy emulator includes multiple display settings that recreate the visual appearance and color palettes of the original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, or Game Boy Color. Super Game Boy features are not emulated. , there are 48 games available, including the following: +List of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on Nintendo ClassicsRelease dateGamePublisher(s)Platform/February 8, 2023Alone in the Dark: The New NightmareTHQ NordicGBCGame & Watch Gallery 3NintendoGBCGargoyle's QuestCapcomGBKirby's Dream LandNintendoGBNintendoGBCMetroid II: Return of SamusNintendoGBSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendoGBTetrisNintendoGBWario Land 3NintendoGBCYakumanNintendoGBMarch 15, 2023BurgerTime DeluxeG-ModeGBKirby's Dream Land 2NintendoGBJune 5, 2023Blaster Master: Enemy BelowSunsoftGBCKirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendoGBCJuly 27, 2023NintendoGBCNintendoGBCAugust 8, 2023Pokémon Trading Card GameNintendoGBCSeptember 6, 2023Quest for CamelotNintendoGBCOctober 31, 2023Castlevania LegendsKonamiGBMarch 12, 2024Dr. MarioNintendoGBMario GolfNintendoGBCMario TennisNintendoGBC May 15, 2024AlleywayNintendoGBBaseballNintendoGBKaeru no Tame ni Kane wa NaruNintendoGBSuper Mario LandNintendoGB June 7, 2024Mega Man: Dr. Wily's RevengeCapcomGBMega Man IICapcomGBMega Man IIICapcomGBMega Man IVCapcomGBMega Man VCapcomGBNovember 22, 2024Donkey Kong LandNintendoGBNovember 26, 2024Donkey Kong Land 2NintendoGBDecember 4, 2024Donkey Kong Land IIINintendoGBGBCDecember 12, 2024Tetris DXNintendoGBCMarch 7, 2025Donkey KongNintendoGBMario's PicrossNintendoGBMay 23, 2025Gradius: The Interstellar AssaultKonamiGBKirby's Star StackerNintendoGBSurvival KidsKonamiGBCKemcoGBNovember 26, 2025Bionic CommandoCapcomGBKid Icarus: Of Myths and MonstersNintendoGBFebruary 4, 2026Balloon KidNintendoGBGBCYoshiNintendoGBJuly 8, 2026Fortified ZoneCity ConnectionGBKemcoGBWario Land: Super Mario Land 3NintendoGB
Expansion Pack