Nintendo Switch Online
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Nintendo Switch Online.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch Online releases Halloween 2026 icons
Nintendo Switch Online has released a new set of Halloween-themed icons for the 2026 season, featuring characters like Mario, Rosalina, and Bowser. These icons cost 10 Platinum Points each and are available until November 1, 2026.
Nintendo Switch Online adds three new GBA games in October 2026 update
Nintendo Switch Online has added three Game Boy Advance titles: Kururin Paradise, Metal Slug Advance, and Monster Rancher, as part of its October 2026 update. Kururin Paradise is notable for its Western debut. Access to these games requires an Expansion Pack tier membership.
Comparing Super Mario Sunshine in 3D All-Stars vs. Nintendo Switch Online
This article compares Super Mario Sunshine as available through Super Mario 3D All-Stars versus Nintendo Switch Online. While 3D All-Stars offers improved widescreen visuals and re-rendered cutscenes, the Nintendo Switch Online version provides the convenience of save states, making it more accessible for new players.
More than 40% of people cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions blame rising costs
New data from Circana indicates that over 40% of US consumers cancelling Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions cite rising costs as the primary reason. While the overall number of cancellations may not be increasing, the perceived value for money is declining for many users, leading them to discontinue their subscriptions.
3 NES games added to Nintendo Classics
Nintendo has added three more classic NES games to the Nintendo Switch Online service: Ikari Warriors, Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, and R.C. Pro-Am II. These titles were originally published by SNK, Tecmo, and Tradewest respectively.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Pilotwings and Pilotwings 64 icons
Nintendo Switch Online is adding new icons for Pilotwings and Pilotwings 64 throughout September. These icons, costing 10 My Nintendo Platinum Points each, require users to launch the respective games within the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics and N64 apps. The icons will be available until October 5, 2026.
ShackStream: Pokemon Trading Card Game on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 743
The Stevetendo Show will feature a playthrough of the Pokemon Trading Card Game on Nintendo Switch Online's Game Boy section, coinciding with the Pokemon World Championships. The stream will also include segments on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Mario Sunshine, with mentions of a potential Elden Ring Switch 2 version.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Mario Paint, Mario Kart: Super Circuit icons
Nintendo Switch Online is offering new icons for Mario Paint and Mario Kart: Super Circuit throughout August, available for 10 Platinum Points each. To unlock these icons, members must play the respective games on their associated apps before September 7, 2026.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
Two Unreleased Virtual Boy Games Are Coming To Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo is bringing two unreleased Virtual Boy titles, D-Hopper and Zero Racers, to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass on August 4. The Virtual Boy console was discontinued decades ago, but these games, originally planned for a 1996 release, will now be playable. Additionally, Super Mario Sunshine is coming to Nintendo Switch Online on August 13.
Canceled F-Zero sequel and game from Fire Emblem studio are being resurrected next week on Switch, 30 years after they were supposed to launch on Nintendo's unpopular Virtual Boy
Nintendo is releasing two previously unreleased Virtual Boy games, Zero Racers and Dragon Hopper, on August 4th via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library. Zero Racers is a lost F-Zero sequel, while Dragon Hopper is a Zelda-like adventure game developed by Fire Emblem studio Intelligent Systems. Both titles were canceled due to the Virtual Boy's commercial failure.
Mario Sunshine and two unreleased Virtual Boy games join Nintendo Switch Online in August
Nintendo is adding Super Mario Sunshine and two previously unreleased Virtual Boy games, D-Hopper and Zero Racers, to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in August. These additions expand the Virtual Boy library and bring another anticipated GameCube title to the service.
Nintendo Switch Online adds Splatoon Raiders icons
Nintendo Switch Online has added new icons themed around Splatoon Raiders, available for purchase with My Nintendo Platinum Points. New designs will be released weekly until August 19, 2026. These icons remain accessible even if a Nintendo Switch Online membership expires.
Nintendo maintenance schedule – July 19, 2026 – Switch Online downtime still planned
Nintendo has announced its maintenance schedule for the week of July 19, 2026, confirming planned downtime for Nintendo Switch Online services. The maintenance will affect both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 consoles during the middle of August.
Nintendo maintenance schedule – July 13, 2026 – Switch Online downtime next month
Nintendo has announced a maintenance schedule for Nintendo Switch Online, with a session planned for August 17-18, 2026. This maintenance may cause downtime for users of the online service. Specific times are provided for Pacific, Eastern, UK, and European time zones.
Poll: Will You Be Replaying Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Before The Remake Arrives?
The upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has sparked a discussion among Nintendo Life staff about whether to replay the original beforehand. While some see Zelda games as special events not to be replayed often, others consider them comfort games with high replayability. The exact nature of the remake remains unclear, with speculation ranging from a faithful 1:1 reworking to a more substantial overhaul.
Star Fox (2026) Preview
A preview of the upcoming Star Fox game, set to release on June 24 for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlights its semi-realistic redesigns and cinematic presentation. The demo features the training simulator and Mission 2, showcasing improved Arwing controls and a more fleshed-out narrative for Fox McCloud's origins. Despite some initial negative reception to the new art direction, the game aims to deliver the ultimate Star Fox experience.
'DK Challenge' Will Put Your NSO & Bananza Skills To The Test For A Limited Time
Nintendo is launching the 'DK Challenge' event for Nintendo Switch Online users, running from June 10th to September 1st. These challenges will test players' skills in various Nintendo Switch Online titles, including Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2, with digital challenge cards as rewards. Additionally, a limited-time Mario-themed event is coming to the Donkey Kong Bananza Emerald Rush DLC, featuring exclusive outfits and Power-Up Blocks.
Select Nintendo Classics Games Might Be Getting Special Challenges Soon
Dataminers have discovered inaccessible 'challenge modes' within the NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries on Nintendo Switch Online. These challenges, similar to NES Remix but without the remixing aspect, start from specific points in select games and have unique success and fail states. This discovery fuels speculation that Nintendo may announce these new features soon, potentially during an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation.
Nintendo Classics apps datamined and Challenges coming similar to NES Remix
Dataminers have discovered files within the updated Nintendo Classics app suggesting the upcoming release of challenges similar to those in NES Remix. These challenges will span titles from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras, and are expected to be revealed during a rumored Nintendo Direct presentation.
