As the September Nintendo Direct draws closer, fans are speculating what Nintendo 64 games may be coming to the Switch.
Nintendo has hinted at adding a library of Nintendo 64 games to their Nintendo Switch Online service. With so many fan favorites, Nintendo 64 makes the most sense as the next big step towards expanding their available library.
Games from the classic NES and Super NES are already available to play, but fans are buzzing to hear what other classic favorites may be ported over.
Ahead of the announcement, here's a list of five Nintendo 64 games that need to come to the Nintendo Switch Online.
LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME
Though it has seen a 2011 3DS remake, Ocarina of Time is an essential staple to the Legend of Zelda franchise. It's one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, boasting an epic story, a noteworthy time travel system, and vibrant OST.
Aside from its icon status, it's an important piece of Legend of Zelda lore and fan culture. It's hard to imagine any Zelda collection without some reference or tie to Ocarina of Time. It's immensely popular for good reason, and there's no doubt that this game would have its loyal fans to play it.
BANJO-KAZOOIE
The debut Banjo-Kazooie game, Rare released Banjo-Kazooie in 1998 to critical acclaim and highly positive fan responses.
It's a traditional 3D platforming game with a focus on puzzles and action-adventure elements. Maybe it's the bright graphics or the fast-paced action of constant new abilities, but there's truly something special and lively about it.
Nintendo has already done a Banjo-Kazooie crossover in the Super Smash Bros. series, but it's time for the Nintendo 64 game to have its own moment.
DONKEY KONG 64
Developed in 1999, Donkey Kong 64 is the first Donkey Kong game to have 3D features. Players could control 5 Donkey Kong characters in a series of minigames and quests in the adventure platform game.
Additionally, the Nintendo 64 game's multi-player mode would be an excellent edition for the Nintendo Switch Online service, as players could compete in deathmatch and last man standing modes.
Though Xbox Game Studios now owns the developer, Rare, fans hope that somehow this game can finally see another release.
STAR FOX 64
Following a 3DS remake, Star Fox 64 is a space opera-esque Nintendo 64 game centered around 3D rail-shooter mechanics. Again, another acclaimed classic, Star Fox has an exciting story offering alternate routes, vehicle controls, and loveable characters.
With all its action, the Switch's HD rumble and specific JoyCon controls make it the perfect system for this game. It updates and replaces the N64's Rumble Pack, leading towards a cool physically interactive experience.
GOLDENEYE 007
Goldeneye 007 is a revolutionary Nintendo 64 game also developed by Rare.
Based on the James Bond film GoldenEye, this game truly showed that first-person shooters both belonged and excelled on the Nintendo 64. Its got spies, its got an impressive weapon range, and excellent stealth controls, particularly for the system.
Following that, the game also includes a multiplayer deathmatch mode. Nintendo Switch Online can take full advantage of this for cross-player play, leading to a more active player base.
Of course, there's no shortage of Nintendo 64 games that should be made available to play, but we'll have to see what this Nintendo Direct has in store.