Full Breakdown
Nintendo Expands Switch Online NES Library with Classic Titles
4/10/2026, 2:32:18 AM
New Additions to the Nintendo Classics Library
Nintendo has expanded its Switch Online 'Nintendo Classics' subscription service by adding three notable games to its NES library: Namco's Pac-Man (1988), Mendel Palace (1989), developed by Game Freak, and The Tower of Druaga (1984). These titles are now available to subscribers in both Japan and the West.
Pac-Man is a classic arcade game where players navigate mazes, consuming pellets while avoiding ghosts. The objective is to clear each stage by eating all Pac-Dot pellets, with bonus fruits providing extra points.
Mendel Palace, known as Quinty in Japan, is an action puzzle game where players control Bon-Bon, who must rescue his friend Candy from evil dolls by flipping and sliding tiles to defeat them across 100 levels.
The Tower of Druaga is an action role-playing game in which players guide Gil, a knight, through a 60-floor tower to rescue the maiden Ki from the demon Druaga. Players must collect keys and defeat enemies while navigating through various mazes.
Membership Requirements and Pricing
To access these new titles, players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The standard subscription offers access to NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color games for a monthly fee of £3.49/€3.99/$3.99, with additional pricing options for longer memberships. The Expansion Pack, which includes access to Virtual Boy, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis games, is available for $49.99 per year.
Broader Implications
The addition of these classic titles not only enhances the gaming experience for subscribers but also highlights Nintendo's ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting its retro gaming heritage. With the total number of NES games now reaching 84 in the West, the service continues to attract both nostalgic players and new audiences interested in classic gaming experiences.
Criticism & Opposition
While the expansion of the NES library has been generally well-received, some critics argue that the selection of games could be more diverse, suggesting that Nintendo should consider adding titles that were popular in the West but are currently absent from the library.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To save Candy, he'll need to outsmart and overpower all of Candy's evil dolls.” — Nintendo PR
- “You will need some of these items to beat the game—missing key items will lead to certain death, or at least a dead end and a long return journey.” — Nintendo PR
This expansion of the Nintendo Classics library reflects Nintendo's strategy to engage its audience by offering a blend of nostalgia and new gaming opportunities, ensuring that classic titles remain accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
