It seemed like just yesterday we were discussing all the latest rumors and leaks, but entering the summer of 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally available. Early impressions on the system have been great, apart from some early adopter woes, with audiences praising Nintendo’s handheld successor as another excellent entry in their hardware lineup. However, the launch window has been surprisingly sparse with new games, leaving Mario Kart World to fill the void.
Still, it’s hard not to plop down for a quick session with this flashy new handheld, regardless of what you’re playing. To this end, we recommend looking at the plethora of retro titles available on Switch 2 through the Nintendo Online Classic Games library. Thanks to the system’s improved power, these games are running better than ever before, opening up the avenue for some excellent old-school play. Some of the best retro games of all time are celebrating their anniversaries this year, so if you’ve yet to play these classics, there’s no better time. So, if you’re eager to play your Switch 2 and you don’t have a game in mind, boot up one of these retro titles and celebrate their anniversary in style!
How to Play Retro Games on Switch 2
In order to play retro games on Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll need access to the internet and a Nintendo Online subscription. The base level of Nintendo Online offers games from the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy, giving you a direct line into the 8-bit and 16-bit era. If you want even more retro games, you can shell out for the Expansion Pack membership add-on. This unlocks titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis. While these services are available on the original Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 users can exclusively play GameCube games, with the library set to expand throughout the year. Once you have the required subscription, simply install the associated app from the Nintendo Store and you’re ready to dive in.
The Golden Days of Summer Gaming
The summer is strong with a variety of gaming anniversaries, covering every retro console available on the Switch 2. The N64 sports title that shook up the genre, Mario Tennis, celebrates its 25th anniversary on July 21, boasting addictive arcade gameplay with your favorite Nintendo characters. This was also the first appearance of Waluigi, so be sure to play as him to celebrate his 25th birthday at the same time. If you’re in the mood for something slower and more methodical, check in with the NES classic, Dr. Mario, which celebrates its 35th anniversary on July 27. For an excellent Sega Genesis action-platformer that deserves way more praise, try out Comix Zone, which turns 30 this July.
While July is packed with retro anniversaries, August brings two standout celebrations from distinct sides of Nintendo’s legacy. Switch 2 players should take advantage of the exclusive GameCube emulation to enjoy Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. This 2005 turn-based battler is reminiscent of the Pokemon Stadium franchise and is a direct sequel to Pokemon Colosseum, perfect for players who just want to see some Pokemon battle action without the RPG fluff.
August also holds the anniversary of one of Nintendo’s best platforming games of all time, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. Celebrating 30 years of fun on August 5, this SNES masterpiece was also the debut of Baby Mario, adding yet another Nintendo birthday to the summer.
The Autumn of Icons
This autumn, several exceptionally influential games hit major milestones, and a handful of hardware is also due for some celebration. First up, on September 13, we honor the 40th anniversary of the game that helped revive the gaming industry, Super Mario Bros. The influence and importance of this NES titan cannot be understated, and thankfully, it’s simply timeless. If you haven’t played Super Mario Bros in a while, give it a whirl and try to reach the end: it’s much harder than you may remember.
For a double-feature of retro fun, September 13 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Game Boy Micro, the appropriately tiny handheld often overshadowed by the more popular versions. To celebrate, we recommend checking out some classic Game Boy games on Switch 2, like Kirby Tilt ‘N Tumble, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.
Later in September, another icon of the retro age celebrates a big birthday: the blue bomber, a.k.a, Mega Man. Specifically, the NES sequel Mega Man III turns 35 on September 28, but you can enjoy the entire retro series on Switch 2. For added fun, also check out the Game Boy version, which provides a decidedly different experience.
This is also a perfect time to dive into any of your favorite NES games, as this autumn marks four decades of the Nintendo Entertainment System outside of Japan, as the console launched in the US on October 18. It’s a landmark moment in gaming history and a perfect excuse to enjoy a fusion of old and new by booting up the classic console on modern hardware.
A Super Retro Winter
As we get into the colder months, a very special Nintendo console takes its well-deserved turn in the spotlight. Firstly though, the N64 title, Banjo-Tooie, celebrates 25 years of platforming adventure on November 20. While Super Mario 64 and other 3D games get a lot of love, Banjo-Tooie is a wonderful representation of the 64-bit era, deserving of your time and attention.
The main event of November has to be the anniversary of the Super Nintendo, which blessed us with its release on November 21, 35 years ago. Sure, you honor this legendary console by enjoying any of your favorite SNES games on Switch 2, but why not stay in the spirit of celebration by revisiting some launch titles? November 21 also marks the 35th anniversary of such unforgettable titles as Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Donkey Kong Country, each a masterpiece in its own right.
To end the year with a big dose of N64 nostalgia, gather your friends and family around the Switch 2 for one of the best party games of all time. Mario Party 3 turns 25 on December 7, and there are few retro games that make for better casual competition. Not only is Mario Party 3 arguably the pinnacle of the original trilogy, but it’s incredibly approachable for players of all skill.
Judging from these Nintendo anniversaries alone, it’s clear that 2025 is overflowing with ideal days to bask in retro goodness. Whether you’re a fan of the NES, SNES, N64, or GameCube, there’s no shortage of great games to try out on Nintendo Switch 2. Keep in mind that more retro titles are frequently added to the Nintendo Switch Online service, especially when anniversaries are near. The big Nintendo Switch 2 games are sure to launch soon, but for now, enjoy your time with a handheld blast to the past.
Short author bio:
Matt Owen
As a lifelong gamer and overall media fiend, Matt gets his hands on every new game and watches an unhealthy amount of movies and TV: action, horror, mystery, and sci-fi in particular. When not bingeing on entertainment, he enjoys reading and writing short stories, cooking, and producing video and podcast content.