Nintendo’s bringing N64 classics to Switch 2 with a clever remix of nostalgia and new-school convenience: rewind your mistakes, slap on that CRT filter for authentic ‘90s vibes, even tweak button layouts to suit modern thumbs (or stick to the awkward old ones for bragging rights). Online multiplayer lets you dodge those awkward split-screen days, and smoother graphics guarantee Mario’s mustache never looked sharper. Wondering what surprises and secrets are tucked away? There’s a lot more to uncover.
Although nostalgia is a powerful force, Nintendo isn’t just banking on old memories with the arrival of N64 Classics on Switch 2. Instead, they’re serving up a fresh experience, blending retro charm with modern features that go well beyond a simple re-release.
Sure, the CRT filter lets players relive those fuzzy TV vibes, but there’s more at play than just a grainy screen. The rewind function—exclusive to Switch 2—lets players undo mistakes almost instantly, so botched jumps and tricky boss fights no longer mean starting from scratch. It’s not quite a cheat code, but it’s close. Players can also suspend gameplay at any point in classic titles like Ocarina of Time, giving them even more control over their play sessions and making it easier to pick up right where they left off.]
Button remapping is another welcome touch, letting everyone tailor controls for each title, whether you loved the original N64’s wonky button layout or not. Purists can stick to the classics, but newcomers and picky gamers get options.
Button remapping means everyone can play their way—classic controls for purists, total customization for newcomers and picky gamers alike.
Online multiplayer for up to four players means no more crowding around a single couch, unless you want to. Friends can join from anywhere, and with expected voice chat and friend invites, those GoldenEye showdowns and Mario Kart races get a modern twist—minus the accidental unplugging of controllers. Access to GameCube games via Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is also being introduced, giving fans even more classic titles to enjoy alongside N64 favorites.
Compatibility is reassuringly broad. Switch 2 runs most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, and the N64 classics are neatly tucked into the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Sure, a few oddballs like Nintendo Labo and streaming apps didn’t make the jump, but that’s a small price for the smoother performance and faster load times the upgraded hardware delivers.
Visuals get a facelift, too. Some retro game collections offer upscaled graphics, but the art style stays true to the source—no one wants Mario looking like he wandered in from a PS5 game, right? Adjustable visual settings mean players can switch between authenticity and clarity as they please.
With regular additions to the library and hints of achievements on the horizon, it’s clear Nintendo isn’t just dusting off old cartridges. The Switch 2’s N64 Classics are about honoring the past, yes, but also about making those classics just a bit more playable—and perhaps more fun—than ever before.