Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have three fresh reasons to dive back into the NES library, with a trio of long-requested titles finally joining the service.
The update brings the total number of NES games available in the West to 87, giving retro gaming fans even more to explore.
Nintendo Adds 3 New Games to Classic NES Library
Nintendo confirmed the latest update through an official post on the company's website, announcing a trio of titles as the newest additions to the NES Classics library. All three titles became available immediately to every Switch Online subscriber, playable on both the original Switch and Switch 2.
This addition has been a long time coming for fans who have watched Nintendo steadily fill out its NES library since the service launched, often adding beloved but previously overlooked titles a few at a time.
With this addition, Nintendo finally completes the trilogy of the "Ninja Gaiden" franchise in the classic NES library of the Switch Online service after adding "Ninja Gaiden" and "Ninja Gaiden II Black."
'Ninja Gaiden'
"Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom" was originally released in 1991 as the third and final NES entry in the series, and its arrival means the entire classic "Ninja Gaiden" trilogy is now fully available on Switch Online, ComicBook Gaming reports.
The game once again puts players in control of Ryu Hayabusa, the last surviving member of the Dragon Clan, as he works to defeat the forces of evil. He is also investigating the circumstances surrounding Irene's death and uncovering the truth behind a mysterious Ryu lookalike.
The game continues the series' signature fast-paced action platforming, giving Ryu a wide range of enemies to battle through as the story unfolds. It was well received in its time for its engaging plot and satisfying mix of new and returning mechanics, though some players over the years have pointed to inconsistent level design and difficulty spikes as lingering weak points.
'Ikari Warriors'
"Ikari Warriors" stands as the oldest of the three new additions, having originally launched in arcades back in 1986 before receiving its NES port in 1987. Developed by SNK and inspired heavily by "Rambo: First Blood Part II," the vertically scrolling run-and-gun shooter puts one or two players in control of mercenaries Paul and Vince as they battle through an enemy base with limited ammunition, relying on power-ups and supplies dropped by defeated enemies to keep fighting.
While the original arcade release ranked among the highest-earning arcade titles of its era, the NES port has often been viewed as a rougher adaptation, with some players noting clunky controls and sluggish pacing compared to its coin-op origins.
'R.C. Pro-Am II'
Rounding out the update is "R.C. Pro-Am II," Rare's 1992 sequel to its original isometric, weapons-based racing game, which has been available on Switch Online since February 2024. The sequel expands on its predecessor by adding city and off-road tracks alongside the usual circuits, while supporting multiplayer for up to four players.
Beyond standard races, "R.C. Pro-Am II" also includes extra modes like the Tug O' Truck Challenge and The Drag Race, giving players additional ways to earn cash prizes and championship points beyond simply completing the game's main collection of tracks.
