In the past, Animal Crossing was not only a charming life simulation but also featured a remarkable collection of classic NES games. This was my experience when the first English-localized version launched on the GameCube. However, Nintendo eventually removed these nostalgic games from the series, much to the dismay of longtime fans. Now, those retro titles are making their return with the anticipated free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
This update, set to arrive on January 15, will introduce a selection of vintage Nintendo consoles for players to collect within the game. The trailer showcases an NES, Famicom, Famicom Disk System, Game Boy, Super NES, and Super Famicom adorning various in-game shelves. Though each console may only support one game, the exact number of titles available remains uncertain.
You might question why Nintendo would release retro games for free, especially when they’re available through the Switch Online subscription service. Here’s the catch: an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play these games. While collecting the consoles will not require a subscription, the gameplay itself will be gated behind this membership.
Five years after the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, fan enthusiasm for additional content remains high — they even resorted to a “summoning circle” during a recent Nintendo Direct to voice their desires.
It’s astonishing to think that five years later, the Game & Watch handhelds from Nintendo are still available for purchase, and I often use one to enjoy Link’s Awakening spontaneously.
The newly revealed Kirby Air Riders figures are impressive, and many fans hope to see a return of amiibo accessories.
The possibility of accessing these retro titles through the standard Switch Online apps may lessen the impact of this feature returning to Animal Crossing, yet the charm of playing old games through this beloved title is undeniably appealing. Additionally, Nintendo is including several quirky, real-life items for players to gather, such as the Ultra Hand, Ultra Machine, and Love Tester—some of which have made cameo appearances in various Nintendo games.
Based on the brief gameplay teasers in the trailer and the barely visible cartridge art in the consoles, the following game lineup appears to be:
- Famicom: Clu Clu Land
- NES: Ice Climber
- Game Boy: Dr. Mario
- Super Famicom: Panel De Pon
- Super NES: F-Zero
The lone mystery surrounds the Famicom Disk System game, as the gameplay footage does not reveal its title, and the disk is obscured within the console. Personally, I hold out hope for a chance to play The Mysterious Murasame Castle, a Zelda-like title released only in Japan. With most of the games being simple, arcade-style experiences, it would be refreshing to have a more substantial option in the lineup.
While the graphics may be blocky, the best NES titles truly stand the test of time.