Nintendo Classics

Each Nintendo Classics console emulator is accessed from a dedicated app, with players able to select a game to play from a provided list. The emulators support control remapping and save states, with most consoles also allowing players to rewind gameplay. The Nintendo Classics emulators include online multiplayer support, allowing players to play local multiplayer games remotely with friends. Some NES and SNES games also have an alternative version labeled "SP" ("Extra" in some regions) which alters the game in some way, typically unlocking additional modes, starting the player with additional items or levels, or starting the player midway through the game.

Subscribers can purchase wireless controllers based on those of the represented systems through Nintendo's online store. The controllers have additional buttons for compatibility with the Switch and Switch 2 interface, and enable special Easter eggs when used with the corresponding console emulator.

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Switch Online service launched on September 19, 2018, with 20 Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games available for play at launch. During its first year, Nintendo Classics provided a new batch of NES games on a monthly basis. As of September 2, 2026, there are 99 games and 20 "SP" variations available, including the following:

  "SP" game

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 4, 2019, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games were added to the service worldwide with 20 titles on September 5, 2019. An update on July 29, 2025, added the ability to remap each game's controls, as well as support for Super NES Mouse controls with compatible games; Switch 2 allows these games to be controlled with the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls, while playing on Switch requires a compatible USB mouse. As of October 9, 2025, there are 85 games and 7 "SP" variations available, including the following:

  "SP" game

Game Boy and Game Boy Color

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy (GB) and Game Boy Color (GBC) games were added to the service worldwide with 10 games the same day. The Game Boy emulator includes multiple display settings that recreate the visual appearance and color palettes of the original Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, or Game Boy Color. Super Game Boy features are not emulated. As of July 8, 2026, there are 48 games available, including the following:

Nintendo 64

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Nintendo 64 (N64) games were added to the service worldwide with nine titles on October 25, 2021. Games are based on the NTSC releases using 60 Hz timing; select games also have the option to play the European versions which run at their original PAL 50 Hz speed, including those that support multiple languages. The app does not emulate the ability to save to a Controller Pak, meaning some games can only save progress through the use of save states. An update on June 5, 2025 added the ability to remap each game's control scheme. Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 are also able to rewind gameplay and apply a CRT filter. Games that received a Z rating from the Japanese CERO rating board or an M rating from the ESRB are available as part of a separate "18+" application in Japan or "Mature 17+" application in western regions. As of June 4, 2026, there are 45 games available, including the following:

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 23, 2021, Sega Genesis games were added to the service worldwide with 15 titles on October 25, 2021. As of April 11, 2025, there are 51 games available, including the following:

Game Boy Advance

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 8, 2023, Game Boy Advance (GBA) games were added to the service worldwide with six titles the same day. An update on September 4, 2025 added the ability to remap the in-game controls. As of July 8, 2026, there are 33 games available, including the following:

GameCube

GameCube (GCN) was added to the service with three games alongside the Nintendo Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025. GameCube games are only available on Nintendo Switch 2. The emulator allows players to reassign buttons and customize controls for each game. Players are also able to control the games using original GameCube controllers via the GameCube Controller Adapter. As of September 9, 2026, there are 11 games available, including the following:

Virtual Boy

Announced in a Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025, Virtual Boy (VB) games were added to the service on February 17, 2026, with seven games available at launch. The games display two separate images on either side of the screen to recreate the stereoscopic 3D effect of the original system. The games cannot be displayed in full screen or played while the system is docked, and require the use of an additional headset accessory for proper play. The accessory is available in two formats: a plastic mount based on the original system, and a cardboard sleeve. While not officially supported, the Virtual Boy headsets are also compatible with games that supported the Nintendo Labo VR Kit and vice versa. Players can adjust the screen size and inter-pupillary distance of the display to refine the 3D effect. An update to the application on August 4, 2026, added the ability to view the games in other colors. In addition to released games, the Virtual Boy library includes a pair of previously unreleased games, Dragon Hopper and Zero Racers. As of August 4, 2026, there are 17 games available, including the following: