Nintendo is introducing three exciting new features for the N64 games available on Switch Online, but to take full advantage of them, you’ll need the new Switch 2. While the original Switch will only get customizable controls, the Switch 2 will benefit from the addition of a Rewind feature and a CRT Filter.
These features are set to launch on June 5th, coinciding with the release of the Switch 2. This means that players can rewind gameplay after making errors or activate a CRT filter that emulates the vintage look of older televisions. The Rewind function and CRT Filter are already available for NES and SNES titles within the Switch Online library.
Both the original Switch and the Switch 2 will allow users to view and fully customize controls for N64 titles. However, Nintendo has not provided an explanation as to why this is the sole new feature for the older console. It appears unlikely that the original Switch’s hardware is incapable of supporting a basic CRT filter for games that are nearly three decades old, suggesting that this might be a strategy to encourage fans to purchase the new $449.99 console.
The N64 library became available in 2021, and these games can only be accessed through Nintendo’s premium Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $49.99 per year—over twice the price of the standard Switch Online plan.
