The Nintendo 64 was the Japanese company’s big innovation at the time. One of its main features was its controllers. The Nintendo 64 knew how to be creative and bring something new to its fanbase . But did you know that these can be used on the Nintendo Switch? And the best thing is that it’s not difficult. Stay a while to learn all about it.
The Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, but it’s still a hit with fans. The original model wasn’t the only one on the market . In the following years, the same device was released with different modifications. One version was the Nintendo Switch Lite , a lighter device focused on portability, while the Nintendo Switch OLED was a more powerful, but also more expensive, version.
Is there a Nintendo 64 controller for the Nintendo Switch?
First of all, let’s get one thing straight, the original Nintendo 64 controller is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch . I hope this doesn’t ruin your plans, and by the way, it’s pretty impressive that you still have a working controller from a console released in 1996.
The truth is that there is a modernized version of the Nintendo 64 controller , and it was specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch. This accessory tries to offer an identical experience to the one offered by the original device, so it is the same in almost every aspect . There is one very important thing that changes, it is wireless .
As you can imagine, with this controller you can mainly access old video games, original to the Nintendo 64. To access the catalog with these games, you must subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack .
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack What is it? Do I need it?
The Nintendo Switch Online service is nothing more than a service for playing games connected to the internet. Thanks to this service, you can enjoy a large number of games without having to download or install them . This service is very similar to others offered by PlayStation or Xbox , in fact, it is something that is becoming popular, and you can see more about it here .
But like we said, you won’t just need Nintendo Switch Online, you’ll also need the “+ Expansion Pack.” What does this mean? Quite simply, Nintendo offers different plans at different prices . In fact, it only offers two: Nintendo Switch Online, and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The difference between each plan is very simple.
- Nintendo Switch Online gives you the ability to play with your friends online, cloud data saving, and access to special offers and coupons . On top of that, you’ll get access to a catalog of over 100 retro NES and SuperNES games , with some added multiplayer features . Lastly, you’ll get access to the phone app , which allows for a more complete experience for some games.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is the same, but better. You’ll get everything we already mentioned that you’d get in the regular bundle, but on top of that, you get:
- Growing catalog of classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Mega Drive games .
- Downloadable expansions for select Nintendo Switch games.
Do I need to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to play Nintendo 64 games?
Yes, there is no other way you can access these games. Nintendo knows how to squeeze our nostalgia and squeeze it well.
Do I need the new Nintendo 64 controller to play Nintendo 64 games?
No, the regular Switch controllers are perfect for playing any game , no matter how retro. However, those fans who want to feel the full nostalgia will surely be seduced by the old controller. You should know that it costs approximately €50 . You can find it on the official Nintendo website or on Amazon.
You can purchase up to 4 controllers per Nintendo Switch account on the official website, which would be great for a friend-friendly experience, but I personally don’t find it necessary. You can have a lot of fun with the team’s regular controllers.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking: a controller just for playing retro games? On a paid service? All for nostalgia? Yes, that’s exactly what Nintendo is trying to do with this offer: sell you nostalgia . And the Japanese company is doing a great job of doing it. I’m really looking forward to playing Nintendo 64 games!
Now, all this doesn’t mean that the Nintendo 64 controller can’t be used with non-Nintendo 64 games , but of course, as expected, some games that aren’t compatible with the button configuration won’t be playable.
Other controllers you can use on the Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Sega Mega Drive
The famous Genesis, a 16-bit home console launched in 1988 and discontinued in 1997. Now Nintendo brings us its controller in the form of packaged nostalgia. It sure feels good to hold this controller, or as AuronPlay would say: “it smells like history.”
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Fast forward a bit, and with 50 million units sold worldwide, the Super Nintendo is having a second life . Even though this device was discontinued in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was still a common household item up to 10 years later. It makes you want to play Super Mario Kart with this controller.
And yes, there’s a NES controller too .
Nintendo GameCube
Released in early 2000 and produced until 2007, the “Cube” was a huge success with 21 million units sold , and Super Smash Bros Melee as the most famous game (with 7 million copies sold).
The Cube was the successor to the Nintendo 64. But it was also the time when Nintendo was left behind , with all the advances in the world of video games in those years. Well, if you ever had this device, you might be interested in trying the Nintendo Switch version.
Well, that’s all. I hope I’ve been helpful. Nintendo 64 controllers can always be a great addition to enjoy your Switch more. However, they are not essential to have a good experience , it’s up to you to decide how much you want them.