Overview
- Ridge Racer 64 has joined the roster of games available on Nintendo Switch Online, enhancing its collection of N64 classics.
- The game features multiplayer capabilities for up to four players, along with a selection of 25 cars and nine unique tracks.
- As Nintendo Switch Online grows, it has become increasingly popular by adding beloved titles to its library.
Nintendo Switch Online has recently expanded its library with the addition of the iconic racing game Ridge Racer 64. Launched in 2000, this beloved title from the Ridge Racer series has been reintroduced for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, offering access to N64 classics. Initially launched in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online faced stiff competition from PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass due to a limited selection of games. However, ongoing efforts to enhance its library with titles from Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance via its Expansion Pack have significantly boosted its popularity.
The Ridge Racer franchise, which first captivated audiences in arcades, continued to thrive across multiple gaming platforms until 2016. Ridge Racer 64, a standout title, originally included tracks from both the classic Ridge Racer and the PlayStation’s Ridge Racer Revolution and was so well-received that it prompted a remake for Nintendo DS in 2004. Players appreciated not only the nostalgia but also new features that came with Ridge Racer 64, such as updated drift mechanics and collision systems developed by Nintendo Software Technology.
Ridge Racer 64 on Nintendo Switch Online
Fans of racing games will welcome Ridge Racer 64’s availability as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. This emulated iteration supports multiplayer for four players, offering a diverse range of 25 cars and nine exciting tracks. Additionally, Ridge Racer 64 is now part of a wider array of classic Nintendo 64 titles accessible through this subscription service, which includes other fan favorites like Mario Kart 64, F-Zero X, and Wave Race 64.
While players eagerly anticipate more classic titles to be added, Nintendo has been making commendable strides in catering to fan requests. Recent enhancements to Nintendo Switch Online have introduced several beloved titles from the SNES era, including Fatal Fury 2, Super Ninja Boy, and Sutte Hakkun, alongside notable inclusions like the NES version of Tetris and Game Boy Color’s Tetris DX. One of the most significant additions came in October with the long-requested Banjo-Tooie, following the successful release of Banjo-Kazooie in 2022.
However, the positive momentum surrounding Nintendo Switch Online’s expansion may soon turn bittersweet for many players. Tencent, which distributes the Nintendo Switch in China, has announced the phased discontinuation of Nintendo Switch Online services and eShop access in the country, starting in March and concluding by May 2026. This shutdown raises concerns about the potential impact on millions of gamers in that region.
Leave a Reply ▼