10 First Party Nintendo Games STILL MISSING From Switch Online

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, GameBoy (1994)

A direct sequel to Super Mario Land 2: The Six Golden Coins, the game that first introduced Wario, Wario Land finally puts the player in control of the crass anti-hero, Wario. Compared to the previous two Super Mario Land games, this entry gives Wario a more dynamic moveset, allowing him to dash and pick up enemies while performing the typical platforming youd expect. This is also one of the earliest Nintendo games to offer multiple endings, and is right at home on the go with Nintendo Switch Online.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, SNES (1996)

While Switch owners can just opt to play the incredible from-the-ground up remake from 2023, old farts like me love the nostalgic clunkiness of the original. If Super Mario 64 can be on Switch Online and part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars, then whos to say Mario RPG cant get the same treatment? The Square-developed RPG is the first in a long line of Mario role-playing games, and is one of the best games on the system. It tells a whimsical tale of reclaiming the Mushroom Kingdom with the help of some unlikely allies, and is right at home on the service. I just cant get enough of that banger soundtrack.

Duck Hunt, NES (1984)

This is most likely more of a logistical omission due to the game needing light gun support than anything else, but wed love to experience Duck Hunt on modern Nintendo either way. The Switch Joy-Con do have gyro aiming, so a game like this makes sense on the system, and its another entry in Nintendos iconic library of games that belongs on the service. With other titles getting online support and other modern quality-of-life improvements, wed be shocked if this stayed away from the system for much longer.

Diddy Kong Racing, N64 (1997)

Spoiler alert, this list will contain a lot of Rare-developed games. There are likely licensing issues contributing to Diddy Kong Racing and others on this list not being on Switch Online, but if both Banjo-Kazooie games can make it, then so can this. Theres the DS remake, but bringing this to the Switch could open the game up to a whole new audience. This unorthodox racing adventure game on the N64 is another fan favorite that sees Diddy Kong, Conker, and other critters race and explore using various vehicles like hovercrafts, planes, and karts. Theres a bit of a learning curve, but this is an essential N64 experience that Nintendo needs to give some love.

Conkers Bad Fur Day, N64 (2001)

Conkers Bad Fur Day is vulgar and offensive even by todays standards, but that doesnt change that it has timeless charm. This Rare-developed (yes, another one) 3D platformer has you play as Conker, a cute orange squirrel whos had a little too much to drink. Youll fight, gamble, and drink your way through the game, and perform acts we just cant mention here. And if youre worried that Nintendo would want to stray away from having mature content on Switch Online, Id like to direct your attention to Killer Instinct and Turok, which are pretty gory in their own rights.

Chrono Trigger, SNES (1995)

We all know that Chrono Trigger is universally agreed upon by fans to be one of, if not the best JRPGs of all time, and the fact that it isnt available on modern Nintendo hardware should be a crime. The time-traveling epic was also unavailable on the SNES Classic that was released in 2017, so fans have been clamoring for a way to experience this in other ways. The story follows Crono and his band of unlikely allies as they travel through time to defeat the world-ending Lavos, and has one of the greatest video game soundtracks in history. With the Nintendo Switch 2, hopefully the Online service will once again expand its already vast library and include this must-play for RPG fans.

Mother 3, GameBoy Advance (2006)

But disembodied MojoPlays voice, I hear you say, Mother 3 is in Japanese only and Nintendo doesnt like the fan translation! To that I say, normally that would be a valid argument, however Nintendo finally localized Star Fox 2 in the West for the Super Nintendo Classic in 2017 and released it on Switch Online in 2019, so were holding out hope here that anything is possible. The cult classic follow up to Earthbound, Mother 3 is a turn-based JRPG that sees an eclectic cast of characters go on very emotional, cathartic journeys that players have related to for years.

Donkey Kong 64, N64 (1999)

Donkey Kong 64 may have its issues, from clunky controls and seemingly endless collectibles, but it absolutely belongs on Nintendo Switch Online. Another Rareware game, it introduces new playable characters like Lanky and Chunky Kong, as well as letting us play as fan-favorites like DK and Diddy Kong. With Donkey Kong Bananza set to release this summer, now is the perfect time to make this classic available to newer fans. Oh, and the Donkey Kong Rap. We need it.

Super Smash Bros., N64 (1999)

This one still doesnt make sense to me. The original Super Smash Bros. on N64 is the perfect addition to Nintendo Switch Online. Add in some light online features and bam, you have a fantastic throwback experience for older fans. The polygons and graphics might not have aged well, but we cant deny the pure nostalgic joy from getting to replay this after over 20 years. And with GameCube games coming to NSO with Switch 2, give us Super Smash Bros. Melee while youre at it, Nintendo!

Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow, GameBoy (1998)

Obviously we would prefer to have the entirety of generations one through three on Switch Online, but that would take up the entire list. Instead, our number one picks are the games that started our Pokemania way back when: Red, Blue, and Yellow versions. The original Pokemon games are near and dear to many Nintendo fans hearts, and being able to play these on the go was a huge draw on the GameBoy. If Nintendo brings these games to Switch Online in the Switch 2 era, it would make that yearly subscription fee more than worth it, especially if they add in online functionality for trading and battling. Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, and the remakes FireRed and LeafGreen would be nice too. Come on, Nintendo!!

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know what games you hope Nintendo brings to Switch Online in the Switch 2 in the comments below.