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Plenty of recognizable Nintendo games have made the jump to Switch Online, but there are some Game Boy classics that have yet to make a comeback.
Few other gaming companies are as iconic as Nintendo and the Nintendo Game Boypartially paved the way for compact devices like the Switch in many ways. The Game Boy proved that high-quality games could be rendered in a portable format, and subsequent generations eventually ported the system’s titles to the virtual console on the 3DS and Wii U. Unfortunately, these services are set to end in 2023, but there is renewed hope that these retro releases will not be forgotten. Nintendo Switch Online has become an outlet for game storage, and the company recently reaffirmed its support for legacy content on the hybrid system.
During February’s Nintendo Direct, fans saw the announcement of several classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games coming to the Switch’s online service. This reveal was exciting as these titles were exclusive to the Game Boy’s unique library. While some of Nintendo’s bigger titles came from home consoles, such as Donkey Kong country And Super Mario Land, other lesser-known IPs come from the device. Over the years, series like kirby became well established on newer consoles while other Game Boy games lagged behind. With so many options, fans are already creating their own Game Boy wish lists for Switch Online, and a few long-lost treasures could further bolster this service.
The high-flying action of Solar Striker
An obscure Game Boy title is sunstormera scrolling shooter where players collect power-ups and fight aliens in six difficulty levels. sunstormer was published by Nintendo itself and is a sci-fi action game with invading aliens and bosses. If the game were to return, the shoot ’em up should fit in and out as a fun addition to the 2023 Nintendo Switch Online games collection sunstormerThe arcade gameplay of could be appreciated by those who missed the original release.
sunstormerFast-paced combat focused primarily on players dodging and blowing up attackers, meaning it wasn’t overly complex. Overall, the sci-fi shooter has a simplified setup that can make it easier to pick up and play, and those throwback controls could work well by testing players’ reflexes as the game progresses.
X’s first-person space battles
Developed in collaboration with Nintendo and Argonaut Games, X is a 1992 first-person space combat simulator released only in Japan on the Game Boy. Considering the high difficulty level, they are planning a North American release with the title moonhunt – Were canceled. However, a one-time sequel was called on DSiWare X scapeand Nintendo’s X has since been re-evaluated as an innovative and technically advanced game for its time. Now that you see the potential for a proper import through Switch Online, X could be a Japan-exclusive game finding new life in the service.
Xs pseudo-3D perspective could allow it to stand out from other Game Boy titles, since its importance mainly depends on how much it pushes the system hardware limits. Argonaut Games helped create star fox in 1993, and it shows that this project was also an influential start for one of Nintendo’s genre-defining games.
Mole Mania and its animated world
Another, albeit cuter, Nintendo project is for the Game Boy mole mania. Produced by Shigeru Miyamoto, mole mania is a 1996 puzzle game starring Muddy Mole who digs and moves obstacles to save his family. The game’s last appearance was on the 3DS Virtual Console, and since its initial launch, the game has garnered a certain cult following due to its charm and multi-level challenges. Considering his history with the creator of the Mario IP, mole mania is perhaps one of the most notable Game Boy originals – making it an obvious addition to Switch Online. Miyamoto has directed many Nintendo classics, and this retro puzzler reflects the legendary game designer’s penchant for polished gameplay.
Even though most Nintendo IPs have expanded beyond the Game Boy, there are still a few games missing from the modern lineup. Fans are just starting to enjoy Game Boy games on Switch, and they likely have a lot more to look forward to here. The Nintendo Game Boy lives on through memorable titles that proved the value of handheld gaming, and it’s heartening to see the Switch continue that legacy all these years later.