The Missing Game Boy Classics: Nintendo Switch Online’s Nostalgic Collection

These beloved classic titles by Nintendo are still unavailable for gamers on the Switch.

6 Top Game Boy Games Missing from Nintendo Online

Nintendo Switch Online’s feature, which allows players to download old gaming software compatible with the Switch, has brought back the golden era of gaming. With emulated versions of Nintendo 64, Gamecube, and Game Boy games, players can relive their favorite childhood memories on a modern console. However, while the Game Boy collection on Nintendo Switch Online is impressive, there are still some iconic titles that are missing. Let’s take a look at a few Game Boy classics that gamers of that era would love to see added to the collection.

🎾 6 Tennis: A Simple Sports Game

Game Boy TennisRelease Date: July 31, 1989 – Developer: Nintendo R&D1 Intelligent Systems

The Tennis video game released on the Game Boy in 1998 might not feature any of Nintendo’s iconic characters as playable options, but it is still missed by many fans of the original handheld console. Tennis is a short and simple game that allows players to engage in a handheld version of tennis. In an era where sports games are often complex and overwhelming, Tennis takes us back to a time when gaming was pure and straightforward. Plus, Mario makes an appearance as the umpire in each match, reminding players that this is still a Nintendo title.

🦖 5 Yoshi: A Nintendo Character Whose Popularity Is Only Increasing

Yoshi Game Boy Cover

The first Yoshi video game, released in 1991, often gets confused with other games in the series. While it is known as Mario and Yoshi in some parts of the world, it is actually a puzzle game in which players have to match up falling blocks to create a pattern. While Yoshi has been criticized for its repetitiveness, it would still be great to see this game added to Nintendo Switch Online. It would not only show fans where this iconic character started but also offer something new for younger generations to experience on a home console.

🦍 4 Donkey Kong Land: Nintendo’s Other Platforming Hero

Donkey Kong Land

When it comes to platforming video games from Nintendo, most people think of Mario. However, the developer also has another beloved character in its lineup: Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong Land, released on the Game Boy as a companion game to Donkey Kong Country on the SNES in 1995, allows players to experience the same side-scrolling platforming featured in the console games. While the Donkey Kong Land series doesn’t offer anything drastically different, adding one of these games to Nintendo Switch Online would be a treat for fans of the Game Boy and Donkey Kong alike.

🎮 3 Pokemon Pinball: A Spin-Off With Potential

Pokemon Pinball

The Pokemon franchise has released several spin-off games over the years, but none have been quite as unique as Pokemon Pinball. This title, released shortly after the first main series games, functions as a standard pinball game with a Pokemon-themed coat of paint. With a Pokemon catching mini-game integrated into the pinball gameplay, Pokemon Pinball adds a new and exciting twist to the Game Boy library. It’s a game that appeals to both pinball enthusiasts and Pokemon fans, offering a fresh experience for players on the Nintendo Switch.

🔴 2 Pokemon Red and Blue: The Original Pokemon Games

Game Boy Pokemon Red and Blue

The first generation of Pokemon games introduced players to the iconic world of Pokemon. While the Let’s Go games provide a modern take on the Kanto region, there is nothing quite like experiencing the original versions of Pokemon Red and Blue. As Nintendo now has access to their own online emulator, it only makes sense for them to make these classic games available to play on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re a fan who wants to relive the nostalgia or a newcomer looking to experience where the franchise began, adding Pokemon Red and Blue to Nintendo Switch Online would be a winning move.

🍄 1 Super Mario Bros Deluxe: Nintendo’s Crowning Jewel

Super Mario Bros Deluxe Game Boy

When it comes to Nintendo, Mario is undoubtedly their crown jewel. Super Mario Bros Deluxe, an updated version of the original Super Mario Bros game from 1985, was released on the Game Boy Color. This enhanced version provides color, tighter gameplay, and removes glitches, making it the ultimate way to experience Mario’s first adventure. For any Mario fan looking to delve into the roots of this iconic character, Super Mario Bros Deluxe is a must-play.

While Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy collection has already brought back a plethora of classic titles, there are still some noticeable omissions. Whether it’s the simplicity of Tennis, the puzzle-solving of Yoshi, the platforming madness of Donkey Kong Land, the pinball fun of Pokemon Pinball, or the nostalgia of the original Pokemon games and Super Mario Bros Deluxe, these missing classics would be valuable additions to the collection.

Q&A Section 1. Is Nintendo Switch Online the only way to play Game Boy games on a modern console? No, there are other ways to play Game Boy games on modern consoles, such as using illegal emulators or booting up old physical Game Boy devices. However, Nintendo Switch Online offers the convenience of having a wide range of classic games easily accessible on a modern console.

  1. Are there any plans to add more Game Boy games to Nintendo Switch Online in the future? As of now, Nintendo has not announced any specific plans to add more Game Boy games to Nintendo Switch Online. However, considering the popularity and demand for these classic titles, it’s possible that Nintendo might expand the collection in the future.

  2. Are there any legal alternatives to playing Game Boy games on a modern console? Yes, there are legal alternatives to playing Game Boy games on a modern console. Nintendo has officially released the Game Boy Advance Virtual Console on the Wii U, which allows players to purchase and download Game Boy Advance games. Additionally, there are handheld devices like the Analogue Pocket that can play original Game Boy cartridges.

  3. Are the missing Game Boy classics available on any other Nintendo consoles? Some of the missing Game Boy classics have been ported to other Nintendo consoles. For example, Super Mario Bros Deluxe has been included in the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console library. However, having these games available on the Nintendo Switch would provide a more convenient and modern gaming experience.

  4. Can I play multiplayer on Game Boy games through Nintendo Switch Online? Nintendo Switch Online does support multiplayer capabilities for certain games. However, not all Game Boy games had multiplayer features, so multiplayer functionality depends on the specific game being played.

Reference List: 1. Pokemon: Game Boy Advance Ranked 2. New Jaws Pinball Machine Stern 3. Game Boy History and Games


Interact with me in the comments below and let me know which Game Boy classic you would like to see added to the Nintendo Switch Online collection. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends on social media to spread the nostalgia and excitement of Game Boy gaming! 🕹️✨