Nintendo Switch Online's NES library is a treasure trove of gaming history — over 100 classic titles from the 8-bit era, playable on your Switch for the cost of a subscription ($19.99/year). But with so many games spanning nearly a decade of NES releases, which ones are actually worth your time in 2026? We have replayed every NES game in the collection and selected the 15 that hold up the best today — the ones that still deliver genuine fun, not just nostalgia.
What Is the NES Library on Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscribers get access to a growing collection of NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) games at no additional cost beyond the subscription fee. These games run through an official emulator with added features: save states (save and resume at any point), rewind (undo mistakes in real-time), and online multiplayer for select titles. The save state and rewind features are particularly welcome for NES games, which were notoriously difficult and rarely had save systems. You can find the full NES collection in the "Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online" app on your home screen.
The 15 Best NES Games on Switch Online
1. Super Mario Bros. 3
Year: 1988 | Genre: Platformer
Widely regarded as the greatest NES game ever made, and for good reason. Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced the world map, the Raccoon Suit (flying!), and level design that still feels inventive today. Eight worlds, each with a unique theme, dozens of secrets, and the iconic Frog Suit, Tanooki Suit, and Hammer Suit power-ups. If you play one NES game on Switch Online, make it this one. It is the foundation upon which modern Mario games are built.
2. The Legend of Zelda
Year: 1986 | Genre: Action-Adventure
The game that started one of gaming's greatest franchises. Drop into the overworld of Hyrule with no map, no waypoints, no hand-holding — just a sword and your curiosity. The non-linear design was revolutionary in 1986 and still feels refreshingly open today. Nine dungeons, each with unique puzzles and items, build toward the final confrontation with Ganon. The save state feature on Switch Online makes the experience much more approachable without diminishing the sense of discovery. Play this before (or after) Breath of the Wild to see where it all began.
3. Metroid
Year: 1986 | Genre: Action-Adventure / Exploration
The original space exploration game that spawned an entire genre (Metroidvania). Explore the planet Zebes as bounty hunter Samus Aran, collecting power-ups that unlock new areas. The atmosphere — dark, isolated, and mysterious — was groundbreaking for the NES era. The map-less design can be disorienting by modern standards, but the save state feature on Switch Online helps enormously. Essential context for understanding why Metroid Dread is such a big deal.
4. Kirby's Adventure
Year: 1993 | Genre: Platformer
One of the last great NES games and still one of the best. Kirby's signature copy ability — swallowing enemies to steal their powers — debuted here, and it immediately elevated the game above most NES platformers. Over 20 copy abilities, colorful graphics that push the NES hardware to its limits, and a forgiving difficulty curve make this the perfect "comfort food" retro game. It is pure joy.
5. Mega Man 2
Year: 1988 | Genre: Action-Platformer
The peak of the classic Mega Man formula. Eight Robot Masters (Metal Man, Quick Man, Air Man, and five more) each guard a stage with masterful level design tailored to their abilities. Defeating a boss earns you their weapon, creating a rock-paper-scissors dynamic of choosing the right weapon for each stage. The difficulty is legendary — but with Switch Online's rewind feature, even casual players can experience one of the greatest action-platformers of all time.
6. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Year: 1987 | Genre: Action-RPG / Platformer
The black sheep of the Zelda family — and unfairly maligned. Zelda II's side-scrolling action, RPG leveling system, and brutal difficulty were a radical departure from the original, and the game suffered from sky-high expectations. Replaying it today with save states reveals a surprisingly deep and rewarding action-RPG with tight swordplay and a sense of exploration that few NES games matched. Give it a second chance.
7. Ninja Gaiden
Year: 1988 | Genre: Action-Platformer
Cinema-quality cutscenes (for 1988), blazing-fast action, and controller-throwing difficulty. Ninja Gaiden pushed NES storytelling forward with its cinematic narrative while delivering some of the most intense platforming challenges on the system. The rewind feature is practically essential here — the original game was punishingly difficult, especially in the final stages. But the core gameplay is outstanding.
8. Super Mario Bros.
Year: 1985 | Genre: Platformer
The game that saved the video game industry. Four decades later, the original Super Mario Bros. remains a masterclass in game design — every element (jumping physics, enemy placement, power-up progression) is tuned to near-perfection. World 1-1 is the most analyzed and praised first level in gaming history for how intuitively it teaches the player mechanics without a single line of text. Playing it on Switch Online is a history lesson and a genuinely fun experience in one.
9. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Year: 1989 | Genre: Action-Platformer
The best of the NES Castlevania trilogy. Branching paths through Dracula's dominion, multiple playable characters (each with unique abilities), and some of the best level design on the NES. The difficulty is formidable — typical of the NES era — but the variety and ambition make it one of the platform's standout action games.
10. Punch-Out!! (Featuring Mr. Dream)
Year: 1987 | Genre: Sports / Puzzle
Less a boxing game and more a pattern-recognition puzzle wrapped in sports clothing. Each opponent has unique tells and weaknesses that you must learn through observation and timing. The character designs (Glass Joe, King Hippo, Bald Bull) are iconic, and the difficulty escalation from the minor circuit to the world circuit is expertly paced. A game that rewards patience and pattern recognition — surprisingly sophisticated for its era.
11. River City Ransom
Year: 1989 | Genre: Beat 'em up / RPG
An open-world beat-em-up with RPG elements — decades before that combination became trendy. Fight through gangs, earn money, buy food to upgrade your stats, and explore a surprisingly large interconnected world. The co-op multiplayer (available online through Switch Online) makes it even better. A hidden gem that most NES players missed the first time around.
12. Dr. Mario
Year: 1990 | Genre: Puzzle
Tetris gets a medical degree. Match colored capsules to eliminate viruses in this addictive puzzle game. The two-player competitive mode is fierce — and with Switch Online's online multiplayer, you can compete with friends remotely. Simple to learn, endlessly replayable, and still one of the best puzzle games Nintendo has ever made.
13. Excitebike
Year: 1984 | Genre: Racing
Side-scrolling motocross racing with a track editor. The core gameplay — managing your bike's temperature while navigating jumps and obstacles — is simple but satisfying. The real star is the track creator, which was revolutionary for 1984 and still fun to tinker with on Switch Online.
14. Tecmo Bowl
Year: 1989 | Genre: Sports
The NES football game that captured the hearts of a generation. Simple enough for anyone to pick up (four plays per team), but with enough depth for competitive matches. Bo Jackson remains the most overpowered character in video game history. Online multiplayer through Switch Online gives this classic new life.
15. StarTropics
Year: 1990 | Genre: Action-Adventure
A hidden treasure that many NES players never discovered. StarTropics is an isometric action-adventure where a young baseball player named Mike Jones explores tropical islands, fights aliens, and uncovers ancient mysteries. The combat is Zelda-like, the setting is unique, and the story is surprisingly engaging. A perfect "new discovery" for retro gaming fans who think they have played everything the NES has to offer.
Beyond NES: What Else Does Switch Online Offer?
The basic NSO subscription ($19.99/year) also includes SNES games (Super Metroid, A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country) and Game Boy / Game Boy Color games (Pokémon Red/Blue, Link's Awakening DX, Tetris). The Expansion Pack ($49.99/year) adds N64 games (Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007), Game Boy Advance (Metroid Fusion, Minish Cap), and Sega Genesis games. Plus, subscribers get access to exclusive games like Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99.
Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It for Retro Games?
At $19.99 per year ($1.67/month), the basic tier is one of the best values in gaming. The NES and SNES libraries alone contain dozens of masterpieces, and the addition of online multiplayer, cloud saves, and exclusive games makes it easy to recommend. The Expansion Pack is more debatable — $49.99/year is steeper, and the value depends on how much you care about N64 and GBA games. For most players, the basic tier is sufficient.
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* Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links.
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