The NSO subscription service features numerous incredible classic games from across the decades, and the service continues to grow every year. However,many iconic games from different franchises are still missingfrom the subscription service, leavingmany fans calling for their addition. Plenty of games from Nintendo’s flagship franchises likeThe Legend of ZeldaandPokémonare not included, with hopes high for their addition one day.
10The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Nintendo DS
Originally Released: 2007
Wishing forThe Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglasson Nintendo Switch Online is more representative of a bigger problem for the service:there’s no Nintendo DS, GameCube, or Wii games as of yet.While this makes it hard to hope such a game could be added,Phantom Hourglasswould be the perfect fit for the handheld-hybrid console, and it’s one of the series' most underrated games that fully deserves to be introduced to new audiences.
The game follows Link on his journey to save Tetra following the events ofThe Wind Waker,and while porting a DS game to Switch will likely have its challenges, it’s the perfect addition to the subscription service. Since we’re still waiting to hear about apotentialWind WakerorTwilight Princessremaster- perhaps this is more likely to happen.
9Kid Icarus: Of Myths And Monsters, Game Boy
Originally Released: 1991
TheKid Icarusfranchise was finally able to return to the spotlight with the release ofKid Icarus: Uprising, one of thebest games for Nintendo 3DS. The title was released with immense praise and created a large following of fans. Before that, however, there wasKid Icarus: Of Myths And Monsterson the Game Boy. This side-scroller platforming game focused on Pit as he fights tosave Palutena and all of Angel Land from a terrifying demonknown as Orcos.
Switch 2 Needs This One Change To NSO, But Nintendo’s Never Going To Do It
Despite the Nintendo Switch’s position as the top selling console of the generation, its successor won’t bring certain modern amenities to NSO.
Given how popularKid Icarus: Uprisingwas on the 3DS, a return to the franchise via NSO is highly anticipated. IfMyths And Monstersmanages to make it onto the Nintendo Switch Online service, it will allow manyto discover this gamefor the first time.
8Super Smash Bros., N64
Originally Released: 1999
TheSuper Smash Bros.franchise has been an iconic staple of the video game franchise for many years, especially after how incredibleSuper Smash Bros Ultimatewas. With how popular the franchise has been over the past few decades, it feels right to finally return to the very first game after all this time.
Despite the original’s much smaller roster, it still stands the test of timeas an iconic fighting game with incredibly fun and engaging gameplay. Adding the originalSuper Smash Bros.to NSO would allow the large communities of devoted fans to re-experience this beloved title.
7Animal Crossing, N64
Originally Released: 2001
The originalAnimal Crossingdebuted on the Nintendo 64 to critical acclaim from players around the world. With every new release, this franchise gains more fans looking to enjoy a peaceful life in their little village or remote island. With how popularAnimal Crossing: New Horizonswas, along with theexclusiveHappy Home ParadiseDLCthat comes with the NSO subscription,the originalAnimal Crossinggame would feel right at homeamong the various other games that are available.
With plenty ofAnimal Crossingfans only just experiencing their first taste of the franchise withNew Horizons, adding the original game to NSO would be a great way for later fans to experience the very earliest iteration of the cozy life sim. While its features and gameplay may be lacking compared toACNH, there’s still lots of fun to be had in the N64 game.
Conker’s Bad Fur Dayis a 2001 3D platformer that released on the Nintendo 64 and immediately stood out due to its mature themes. Even though it was nowhere near as popular asSuper Mario,it still has a devoted cult followingthat has begged for the game to return on modern consoles.
Many were worried that due to the game’s crude humor, strong language, and sexual themes, it would never be remade for a modern Nintendo console. Fortunately, since the Nintendo Switch Online service now includes other mature-rated games likePerfect DarkandTurok, there’s always a chance thatConker’s Bad Fur Daycould eventually return.
5Pokémon Colosseum & XD: Gale Of Darkness, GameCube
Originally Released: 2004
As some of the first 3DPokémongames to ever exist,Pokémon ColosseumandPokémon XD: Gale Of Darknessare two entries in the iconic monster-catching franchise that stand out from many other mainline games.Not only are the 3D battles reminiscentofPokémon Stadium, which is already on NSO, but they also have devoted cult followings that have begged for these two games to get the proper acknowledgment they deserve.
ColosseumandGale Of Darknessfeature entirely new regions that are separate from the mainline games and brand new evil teams that challenge the player every step of the way. This is primarily due tothe unique gimmick known as Shadow Pokémon, which adds an extra layer of difficulty to battles while also being an intriguing part of the games' narratives. After all, the iconic and mysterious Shadow Lugia is certainly a staple, and more players deserve to get to experience these games for themselves without having to dig through hundreds of resale stores.
4Chrono Trigger, SNES
Originally Released: 1995
Chrono Triggerhas often been regarded as one of thebest RPGs ever made, so it comes as a shock that it still has yet to be added to Nintendo Switch Online. With itsbeautiful artwork, well-written story, and engaging combat, there is a lot to love about this game. People have been begging forChrono Triggerto be brought to modern consoles for years, Nintendo should consider adding this game to its library.
As great as it would be for this game to be re-released on the Switch, its inclusion on NSO is entirely up towhether or not Nintendo can make a deal with Square Enix. Until then, the fate ofChrono Trigger’s inclusion in NSO remains in the air.
3Mother 3 (Earthbound 3), Game Boy Advance
Originally Released: 2006
The first two games in theEarthboundfranchise were finally added to Nintendo Switch Online for Western players in 2022. The two games have been a staple of the RPG genre for many years, with many hoping that the third game will one day become available. However, many soon found out that Japanese players could also getMother 3, meaning that Western players have once again been without this long-awaited sequel.
The reason why there has been noMother 3release outside of Japanis becauseit was never localized for any other countries. With how long fans have waited for an English translation ofMother 3, it deserves to finally get a chance to arrive in the West, and NSO would be the perfect home for it.
2Donkey Kong 64, N64
Out of all theDonkey Konggames,Donkey Kong 64is certainly the most popular and is one of the most requested titles to be added to Nintendo Switch Online.It was a very ambitious game for its time, with great music, fun gameplay, and engaging challenges. There is a lot to love about this iconic game.
Despite its immense popularity, many of theDonkey Konggames on NSO have been titles other than64, such asDonkey Kong Country. Perhaps one of the biggest struggles that has preventedDK 64from being put on NSO is that developers might be attempting to balance its gameplay to prevent backtracking. Whatever the reason, Nintendo should listen toDonkey Kongfans and give them what they want before the Switch 2 arrives.
1Pokémon Red, Blue, & Yellow, Game Boy
Originally Released: 1998
There has possibly been no bigger outcry from fans than the one forPokémon Red, Blue, andYellowto finally be added to Nintendo Switch Online. As the trio of games that started the iconic, beloved franchise involving catching and battling with monsters, they deserve to be added to the lineup of various games.
These classic titles would fit right at homealongside thePokémon TCGadded to the service just a few years ago, and as one of the world’s most popular franchises, morePokémongames needed to be added before theNintendo Switch’s successor finally arrives.
