The Nintendo Switch offers a catalog of games for Nintendo Switch Online service members to play that were originally released on the NES and SNES. Currently, the service does not include games that were originally released for the Nintendo 64; however, a circulating rumor suggests that N64 games may come to the Switch as part of Switch Online in the future. If this rumor is true, a number of classic N64 games could arrive as part of the first group of added titles.
Some notable Nintendo 64 games have already made their way to the Switch in the form of a remake or remaster. Super Mario 3D All-Stars included a port of Super Mario 64, and a remastered version of Doom 64 was released for numerous consoles, including the Switch. Still, there are some N64 games that cannot currently be played on the system, as well as some titles that have never seen a re-release at all.
Should Nintendo 64 games arrive on the Switch, Paper Mario should be among the first to come. Paper Mario has not only inspired other games like 2019's Bug Fable with its turn-based RPG gameplay and paper aesthetic, but its popularity also led to five sequels and a crossover game. Additionally, Paper Mario was made available for purchase on the Wii and the Wii U via the Virtual Console. Given how accessible Nintendo has made the game in the past, as well as the fact that the series' most recent title Paper Mario: The Origami King is also on Switch, it seems only right for the original Paper Mario to make its way onto Nintendo's most recent hardware.
N64 Games With No Re-release Could Become Available on Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Stadium and its sequel Pokémon Stadium 2 could also be added to the Switch, as they have not been re-released since their original run on the N64. Representing the first and second Pokémon generations respectively, the Stadium games offered 3D Pokémon battles when the mainline games were merely 2D sprites. A Switch port or reboot of the Pokémon Stadium series could let a modern audience experience the way the games transform Pokémon battles into visual spectacles. Perhaps the games could even be reworked to have some level of functionality with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! similar to how the originals could interact with the Pokémon games on Game Boy.
Though likely not as well-known as some of the N64's other classics, Chameleon Twist would be a fine addition to the Nintendo Switch's online catalog. Chameleon Twist puts players in the role of a humanoid chameleon who must navigate 3D platforming puzzles with its long, versatile tongue. The game received less-than-stellar reviews upon release and is likely not the N64's most popular title, but it has many charming elements. Players can perform a number of acrobatic feats using the tongue mechanic, making the platforming interesting and at times challenging. Chameleon Twist also contains a number of unique levels and enemy designs, as well as a catchy soundtrack. Since the game was never re-released, having it added to the Nintendo Switch could be an opportunity to finally improve opinions surrounding the title.