Summary
While the Nintendo Switch is definitely nearing the end of its life, there are still plenty of tricks up its sleeve, and the recentNintendoDirect confirmed that. The 40-minute-long livestream revealed a plethora of new video games coming from both Nintendo’s first-party studios and its third-party collaborators. AnewMario & Luigigame, a Zelda-ledLegend of Zeldagame, andMetroid Prime 4’s triumphant return were all some of the biggest announcements to come out of today’s Nintendo Direct, but there were plenty of other noteworthy reveals.
Over the last few years,Nintendohas continued to add value to its Switch Online subscription service by adding new games to its library. Back in October 2021, Nintendo added the Expansion Pack to its Switch Online service, a premium tier that offered Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games to the ever-growing library. Today, it was announced that Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack would be receiving a new slew of games, including two titles that belong to an all-new ‘Mature Collection’.
Two N64 Classics Are Coming to Switch Via Its ‘Mature Collection’
Turok and Perfect Dark Are Coming to The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
Intoday’s Nintendo Direct, it was announced that two highly requested Nintendo 64 games are being added to Nintendo Switch Online’s Expansion Pack, but rather than appear in the same app as previously released titles likeSuper Mario 64andLegend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, these two titles are only available in a brand new ‘Mature Collection’ app, designed specifically to house retro games with a 17+ Mature ESRB rating.
In its first wave, theNintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’s Mature Collectionhas added just two games,Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, andPerfect Dark. The former is a 1997 first-person shooter based on theTurokValiant Comics series, where players take control of the titular Native American time-traveling warrior as he battles dinosaurs and hostile alien forces in an attempt to stop the evil overlord known as The Campaigner.Turoktechnically released a few months before the groundbreakingGoldenEye 007, so it’s definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in the history of first-person shooters.
Rare’s 2000 classicPerfect Darkis the other title that’s come to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’s Mature Collection. Seen as a spiritual successor toGoldenEye,Perfect Darkis a first-person shooter that sees players take control of super spy Joanna Dark as she attempts to foil a mysterious extraterrestrial capitalist plot. WiththePerfect Darkreboot reappearingin spectacular fashion at the recent Xbox Showcase, Nintendo’s timing with this Expansion Pack launch is impeccable.
Turok and Perfect Dark Pave the Way for More Mature Expansion Pack Games
Being an entirely separate app, it seems very likely that this is only the beginning for the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’s Mature Collection. There are a ton of classic Mature-rated N64 games that deserve a port to the Switch. The belovedRare cult classicConker’s Bad Fur Dayshould be an obvious pick for Nintendo’s Mature Collection, with it being surprisingly difficult to play in its original form due to inflated prices of the original N64 cartridge. The same can be said for the original N64 version ofResident Evil 2, which would be great to see as well.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
