Nintendo Switch Online continues to expand its already impressive game catalog and the latest addition further beefed up the platform's 8-bit NES collection. With Donkey Kong, Jr., Vs. Excitebike, and Clu Clu land now part of the deal, Nintendo boasts a total of 41 classic game titles that the company envisions will accelerate its march to 10 million online members.
As of the last check, the online NES games have been luring fans to the Nintendo Switch, courtesy of the following old-school titles: Metroid, Mighty Bomb Jack, TwinBee, Soccer, Tennis, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber, Dr. Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros. 3, Double Dragon, River City Ransom, Ghosts 'n Goblins, Tecmo Bowl, Gradius, Pro Wrestling, Excitebike, Yoshi, Ice Hockey, Baseball, Solomon's Key, NES Open Tournament Golf, Super Dodge Ball, Wario's Woods, Ninja Gaiden, Adventures Of Lolo, Blaster Master, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Super Mario Bros 2, Kirby's Adventure, Kid Icarus, StarTropics, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Punch-Out!!, and Star Soldier.
This strategy is in continuation of the game-play introduced by the company in recent years - the re-issue of game titles and consoles that defined the gaming industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Nintendo discovered a gold mine on this approach and it appears there's no stopping for now to sustain the success.
The latest batch of NES classics is sure to ignite the old flame that saw Nintendo exploding in the decades mentioned above. It's likely that Donkey Kong, Jr. will generate the most interest as the character is known to have achieved iconic status surpassed only by another Nintendo creation, Mario.
And even in the absence of these throwback symbols, the Nintendo Switch Online is still seen a big draw as the ticket to become a member will only setback one $20. It's hard to argue that the price to pay for 12 months of unhindered access to the service is too little even for the casual gamers.
Still, there's no stopping Nintendo from sweetening the deal it offers even more. A Family Membership package - covering cloud saves, special offers, and online play for compatible games that include the NES collection - is being dangled for only $35 per year. Such a privilege, the company said, can be extended to a total of seven users.
Evidently, Nintendo is looking to swell the membership of its online Switch services and in an interview, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa was clear on his goal to further increase the number of regulars now on the platform, which now stands at 9.8 million.
Furukawa said in order to continue growing, the service will need to keep attracting interest by serving things that resonate deeply with new and long-time Nintendo fans.
"To expand Nintendo Switch Online even further, we need to continue offering elements like this, that highlight the distinct value of Nintendo Switch Online," the company chief shared.
