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Yes—if “Console Archive” means Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics libraries. NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games require a Nintendo Switch Online membership; several additional libraries require Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Nintendo’s support pages use the name “Nintendo Classics,” not “Console Archive.”
Which membership tier do you need?
Nintendo’s library access rules distinguish the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership from the higher Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. The Expansion Pack includes access to the standard-tier libraries as well as the additional libraries listed below.
| Nintendo Classics library | Required membership | System or regional qualification |
|---|---|---|
| NES, Super NES, and Game Boy | Nintendo Switch Online | Supported Nintendo Switch family systems; see Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics overview and FAQ. |
| Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and Virtual Boy | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Check individual title and regional availability. Nintendo’s current American support instructions state that Virtual Boy software is available only in the United States and Canada. |
| Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Playable only on Nintendo Switch 2. |
Nintendo’s library lineup and compatibility can change. Its membership comparison is the place to check the current offerings for your region.
Does every account on the console need its own membership?
Yes. The account accessing a classic game library must have its own active membership. Another subscribed Nintendo Account on the same console does not meet that requirement for an unsubscribed account. Nintendo states this rule in its Nintendo Classics FAQ.
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![Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y9KbnDQKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
Can you play the games offline?
Yes, but offline access is not permanent: the account must have an active membership and reconnect online to verify that membership at least once every seven days. The membership requirement still applies while offline.
What happens to access and save data if your membership expires?
That account can no longer access the classic games while its membership is inactive. Save data remains on the console; it can be used again if the membership is renewed.
Rank #2
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-OKs2tCCL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
Do multiplayer or accessories change the membership requirement?
No. Compatible games may support local or online multiplayer if the original game allowed it, and some multiplayer arrangements require additional systems or accessories. Those requirements do not replace the membership needed to access the library.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
![Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership 12 Month - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61OON0h5SHL._SL160_.jpg)
- Online Play – Battle it out or cooperate with players online in compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Invite friends to your in-game island or visit theirs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
- NES and Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online – Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions in compatible games.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere! Face off against Wario in Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins and thwart an intergalactic menace in Metroid II - Return of Samus as you revisit (or discover) these classics games.
- Save Data Cloud* – In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Smartphone app – Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games. In addition, the app gives players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2 access to special game-enhancing features.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Family Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4167UlUf-SL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
