While online services have been free on past Nintendo consoles, the Nintendo Switch has introduced the Switch Online subscription for those that want to play their games online. However, Switch Online is more than just an online multiplayer service. Switch Online also has a library of free games that players can check out, with titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, and more.
But with so many free games available through Switch Online, some fans may not know where to start. With that in mind, here are the 15 titles that we believe to be the best choices for anyone looking for something fun to play through their Switch Online subscription.
Donkey Kong Country
One of the more recent additions to the Nintendo Switch Online library, the original Donkey Kong Country remains a classic platformer to this day. Boasting graphics that were revolutionary at the time and tough-but-fair platforming challenges, the original Donkey Kong Country is considered a classic for a reason. Here's hoping that the rest of Rare's SNES-era Donkey Kong Country games make it to the Switch Online service at some point in the near future.
F-Zero
There were some rumors that an F-Zero reboot game was in the works, but it seems those have turned out to be fake. While it's disappointing that F-Zero fans will apparently not get a new entry in the series on the Nintendo Switch any time soon, at least they can check out the SNES original. F-Zero is known for its steep difficulty and fast-paced racing gameplay, and it still holds up as one of the best racing games on the SNES.
Metroid
The original Metroid was a serious change of pace from Nintendo, abandoning the company's cutesy characters in favor of a bleak, sci-fi shooter. Metroid is notable for being one of the first major video games with a female protagonist, and for having significantly more exploration elements than was typical of games in the era. It spawned one of the industry's most critically-acclaimed franchises, and is still a lot of fun.
Ninja Gaiden
Most of the games on this list were published by Nintendo, but Ninja Gaiden is one exception. The popularity of Ninja Gaiden on the NES has helped fuel rumors that protagonist Ryu Hayabusa is coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and while that remains to be seen, fans can check out his original adventure with their Switch Online subscription. It's an incredibly challenging game, but it's made a bit more manageable thanks to Switch Online's save states feature.
Punch-Out!!
Punch-Out!! On Switch Online is missing Mike Tyson's likeness, but the game retains the same gameplay that fans will remember from the NES original. A rhythm and puzzle game as much as it is a fighting game, Punch-Out!! Is definitely a unique take on the boxing game genre.
Star Fox
Similarly to Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox pushed the Super Nintendo's hardware to its limits with cutting-edge graphics and visual effects. An on-rails shooter, the original Star Fox may not be quite as memorable as the Nintendo 64 followup, but it's still a lot of fun. Fans can also check out Star Fox 2, which was originally unreleased before it launched with the SNES Classic.
Super Mario Bros.
The original Super Mario Bros. Is always a go-to for retro gaming enthusiasts, and it stands as one of the best games in the entire NES library. Laying the foundation for countless other games and revolutionizing the industry in the process, Super Mario Bros. Is a must-play, and fans can do so through the Switch Online service.
Super Mario Bros. 3
While the original Super Mario Bros. Is still great, Super Mario Bros. 3 takes things to the next level. A more fully-featured gaming experience, Super Mario Bros. 3 features an overworld map filled with levels and secrets, plus a variety of new power-ups to change up the gameplay quite significantly. One of the largest and most visually-impressive NES games, Super Mario Bros. 3 is often cited as the absolute best game on the system, and so it makes an excellent addition to the Switch Online library of titles.
Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the best Mario Kart game to release to date, but fans can use the Switch Online service to see how it all started. Super Mario Kart on the SNES provides fun multiplayer gameplay and a colorful roster of Super Mario series characters for players to race as. Many of the popular levels seen in later Mario Kart games, like Rainbow Road, were established with this original entry in the series.
Super Mario World
Often hailed as the best 2D platformer ever made, Super Mario World is, like its predecessors on this list, an absolute must-play. An SNES launch title, Super Mario World takes the Super Mario series level design to new heights, combined with impressive visuals and a catchy soundtrack. It also introduced the world to Yoshi, and gave Mario and Luigi a suite of new powers and abilities they could use to conquer its levels.