Nintendo Switch Online SNES Library Expanded with Three New Titles

Nintendo's Switch Online service has recently received a significant update to its Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) game library, introducing three classic titles for subscribers to enjoy this October. These additions aim to enhance the retro gaming experience, bringing a mix of platforming, fighting, and puzzle genres to modern consoles. The announcement includes a game making its debut outside of Japan, offering a fresh experience for many players, while also reintroducing a familiar character and a well-regarded fighting game.

Among the newly added games is Accolade's original 1993 side-scroller, 'Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind'. This title sees the titular bobcat on a quest to retrieve his stolen yarn from a race of yarn-obsessed aliens. Players will navigate through 16 extensive stages, each featuring numerous screens filled with unique enemies and mechanics. The game, known for its distinct humor and challenging platforming, invites players to re-experience Bubsy's grand adventure.

Next up is SNK's 1994/95 fighting game, 'Fatal Fury Special'. This installment builds upon the success of 'Fatal Fury 2', which was added to the service earlier in January. 'Fatal Fury Special' boasts a roster of 15 different fighters, including the original eight from 'Fatal Fury 2', three new characters (Billy Kane, Axel Hawk, and Laurence Blood), and a new boss, Wolfgang Krauser. Additionally, three fan-favorite characters from the first 'Fatal Fury'—Tung Fu Rue, Duck King, and Geese Howard—make a return. The game further refines the series' signature two-line battle system, special moves, and powerful finishers, making it a standout entry in the fighting genre. A notable feature is the potential for Ryo Sakazaki from the 'Art of Fighting' series to make a special guest appearance under specific conditions.

Finally, and perhaps most exciting for many, is Game Freak's 'Mario & Wario'. Originally released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom in 1993, this puzzle-platformer is now available outside of its home country for the very first time. The premise involves Wario placing a bucket on Mario's head, rendering him unable to see. Players must guide Mario safely to Luigi by using a forest fairy's magic wand to create platforms, alter Mario's direction, and defeat enemies. The game features 100 levels of unique challenges, controlled primarily by moving a mouse to direct the fairy and clicking to perform actions. A key requirement for playing 'Mario & Wario' on the Switch is the use of a Joy-Con 2 or a USB mouse, leveraging the mouse support functionality that Nintendo introduced to its SNES digital collection with the release of 'Mario Paint' in July.

These three titles have also been simultaneously released on the Super Famicom - Nintendo Classics service in Japan, ensuring a consistent rollout across regions. The inclusion of mouse support for 'Mario & Wario' highlights Nintendo's commitment to faithfully adapting these classic experiences for the Switch platform, even if it means requiring specific input methods. This expansion provides a diverse range of gameplay styles, from fast-paced fighting to strategic puzzle-solving, ensuring there's something for every retro gaming enthusiast.