Nintendo Switch Online Expands Its Game Boy Library with Four New Classics

Nintendo continues to enhance its retro game offerings, recently adding four new titles to the Nintendo Switch Online library. As of October 2023, subscribers can now play Kirby’s Star Stacker, Survival Kids, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, and The Sword of Hope. This expansion increases the library of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games available on the platform to a total of 39 titles, following a series of exciting additions earlier this year.

A Closer Look at the New Titles

Each of these games brings something unique to the table, showcasing the variety of experiences available on the Game Boy.

Kirby’s Star Stacker

One of the standout additions is Kirby’s Star Stacker. This Tetris-like puzzle game features beloved characters from the Kirby universe. Players engage in a block-dropping experience, where they need to arrange two-block shapes made of Kirby’s animal helpers from Kirby’s Dream Land 2. The objective is straightforward: drop these shapes between Star Blocks to clear the screen, making it a satisfying and strategic challenge for both newcomers and veterans alike.

Survival Kids

In a different vein, Survival Kids (known as Stranded Kids in Europe) introduces players to a survival story set on a deserted island. The game’s protagonist, a young boy named Ken and his friend Mery, must use only a knife to gather food, find water, and scavenge for resources. Originally the first entry in what would evolve into the Lost in Blue series, this game is a nostalgic reminder of early survival mechanics in gaming. With a new installment of Survival Kids expected to launch on the Switch 2, this classic’s re-release serves as an effective way to reignite interest in the franchise.

Gradius: The Interstellar Assault

Moving to the realm of shooters, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is a spin-off of the iconic Gradius series from Konami. Known as Nemesis II in Japan and Europe, this title maintains the franchise’s signature power-up “banking” system. Players collect orbs throughout their journey, filling up a meter that unlocks desired power-ups at crucial moments, adding layers of strategy to fast-paced gameplay.

The Sword of Hope

Completing this lineup is The Sword of Hope, an engaging RPG from Kemco that blends adventure with dungeon crawling. Players follow Prince Theo on a quest to locate the keys that unlock the Sword of Hope, the only weapon capable of defeating a cursed king. This mix of point-and-click mechanics and traditional RPG elements provides a unique gameplay experience that continues to resonate with fans of the genre.

A Growing Collection

With these four new additions, the Nintendo Switch Online retro game library is becoming increasingly robust. Recent updates have already included classics from the Donkey Kong Land trilogy, Tetris DX, and Mario’s Picross, enriching the gaming experience for subscribers. The convenience of accessing these cherished titles on today’s consoles allows both new and nostalgic gamers to appreciate the evolution of gaming.

The Nintendo Switch Online service offers a standard subscription, priced at £3.49/€3.99/$3.99 for a one-month membership, making it an accessible option for players looking to dive into classic gaming. For those interested in expanded content, the Switch Online’s Expansion Pack is available for $49.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 per year, providing access to additional titles, including Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance games.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Nintendo Switch Online library with Kirby’s Star Stacker, Survival Kids, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, and The Sword of Hope not only adds fantastic new gameplay experiences but also strengthens the community of retro game enthusiasts. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering these classics for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to explore the rich history of Nintendo games. As the gaming world evolves, so does the way we connect with its past, ensuring that these memorable adventures are accessible for generations to come.