Nintendo Switch Online N64 Games Gain Features but Full Benefits Need Switch 2

Nintendo is rolling out new features for its Nintendo 64 (N64) games available through the Switch Online service, but with a catch: the full suite of enhancements is exclusive to the upcoming Switch 2 console. This update, scheduled for June 5th—the same day the Switch 2 launches—introduces three key features to the N64 library.

For Switch 2 users, the N64 games will support a Rewind feature, allowing players to reverse gameplay after mistakes, and a CRT filter that mimics the classic lined TV display, enhancing nostalgia and visual authenticity.

Meanwhile, owners of the original Switch console will only receive the ability to customize controls for N64 games. Notably absent are the rewind and CRT filter features, which have already been available for NES and SNES titles on both consoles.

This selective feature rollout has sparked speculation that Nintendo’s decision is less about hardware limitations and more about encouraging users to upgrade to the new $449.99 Switch 2. After all, the original Switch’s hardware should be capable of running a simple CRT filter on games that are nearly 30 years old.

The N64 library was initially launched in 2021 and is accessible exclusively through Nintendo’s premium Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $49.99 annually—more than double the price of the standard Switch Online plan.

What This Means for Gamers and Developers

For gamers, the new features on Switch 2 promise a richer, more flexible experience when revisiting classic N64 titles. The rewind function can reduce frustration by allowing players to correct errors instantly, while the CRT filter adds an authentic retro aesthetic.

For developers and publishers, this update highlights the importance of hardware capabilities in feature deployment and the strategic use of exclusivity to drive hardware sales. It also underscores the ongoing value of legacy game libraries in subscription services.

Ultimately, Nintendo’s approach reflects a balancing act between enhancing user experience and incentivizing adoption of new hardware. Whether this strategy will satisfy the existing Switch user base remains to be seen.