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Arcade Games Are Coming To Nintendo Switch

With a huge collection of big names under their belt, from the likes of everyone’s favourite pixelated plumber Mario to the super speedster Sonic the Hedgehog, Nintendo have given us years of incredible gaming experiences and lasting memories, and their most recent Switch console is certainly continuing this legacy.

Despite this modern console, we all love treating ourselves to nostalgia from time to time and Nintendo are giving us the chance to do exactly that by bringing back our favourite arcade games on this console. Find out more about the upcoming releases, below!

Where It All Started

Talk of arcade games on Switch all began when Nintendo first released the Arcade Archives program. This online catalogue of games is currently fairly small, with around 14 titles ready to download for any person with the console and access to the internet. Players can get their hands on these games for just £5.79 each, which is a fraction of the cost of an original copy! What’s more, the catalogue is constantly growing, with new releases gracing the store on a regular basis so if you don’t have a Switch just yet, now could be the time to invest!

The Arcade Archives series began with the announced re-release of a port of the original Mario Bros. Released on 27th September 2017, the remaining 13 titles have graced the store ever since. Of course, you could play with your favourite arcade characters in the upcoming Smash Bros. Ultimate game, but for those seeking out a more retro experience, here are the games currently available on Switch:

• Donkey Kong
• Mario Bros.
• Vs. Super Mario Bros.
• Ikki
• 10-Yard Fight
• Terra Cresta
• Crazy Climber
• Kid Niki: Radical Ninja
• Double Dragon
• Moon Patrol
• Punch-Out!!
• Ninja-Kid
• Star Force
• Heroic Episode

NES – The Virtual Console

Utter the three letters N, E and S to any Nintendo fan and you could see tears spring to their eyes with overwhelming adoration for the original Nintendo console. As host to the likes of Donkey Kong, Mega Man, Sonic and Mario and Luigi themselves, it’s no surprise that Nintendo has decided to bring their classics to the new Switch console.
There’s nothing quite like immersing in a classic, darting around a platform game collecting pixelated coins with those familiar sound effects that filled many an hour back when we were kids. However, everything from PC and console games, to the likes of slots and other casino games have had to adapt to modern demand. Classic slots, for example, tended to include basic symbols such as bells or fruits while nowadays, you’re more likely to see machines with modern themes, storylines, animations, video graphics, footage and audio, all put in place to improve playability and entertainment. To cater to these growing demands for both retro and modern, Nintendo has introduced an online subscription service through which players can have access to a growing collection of games including around 20 NES classics with improved graphics, smoother gameplay and, of course, easy access.

SNK

This November will also see the release of a new SNK series on Switch. Fans of games like Guerrilla War, Vanguard, Ikari Warriors, Athena, Alpha Mission and more are just months away from fulfilling their cravings with a modern twist on the Switch. The 40th Anniversary release has no set amount of games quite yet, but with 11 games currently available for pre-order as part of the deal, there’s nothing to lose for those who just want to get their hands on some fan favourites.

Unfortunately, news surrounding this release and the subsequent Neo Geo mini console that’s also being released by SNK this year is a little cloudy, but we’re excited regardless and will be eagerly awaiting more information as to this new release.

Toki

One of the most recent announcements in terms of arcade releases on Switch is Toki. Perhaps most notably, however, is the new Retrocollector Edition. Gamers can get a physical version of Toki, a comic book, prints, sticker sheets and, perhaps the most exciting of all, a wooden arcade machine that will hold your Switch screen snugly as you play. With artwork printed across every section of this mini arcade system, fans are being given access to quite the treat. Prices aren’t clear just yet, but the release date has been set for 22nd November this year.

Arcade games are a great way to immerse yourself in a nostalgic game or two to pass the time, and fans of all things Nintendo, both modern and old, can benefit from these new releases considerably. Which games will you try?