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Nintendo Switch Online’s next N64 game is coming out very soon, and it’s a choice.
Pilotwings 64, one of the N64’s launch titles from all the way back in 1996, arrives on the Nintendo Switch Online service on October 13. Nintendo Direct.
Bringing Pilotwings 64 to Nintendo Switch may seem like an odd choice at first, but it’s a more exciting choice than you might think. The game never made it into the Wii’s Virtual Console service and was never re-released outside of the N64 roots.
Pilotwings 64 is the first in Nintendo Switch Online’s ‘second wave’ of N64 games. It will be followed by the original Mario Party trilogy, both Pokémon Stadium games, 1080° Snowboarding, Excitebike 64 and the legendary GoldenEye 007 in 2023.
Spread your wings and fly
Don’t be fooled by Pilotwings 64’s status as a launch game. Despite being an early three-dimensional adventure from the mid-90s, the game holds up surprisingly well. That’s largely due to its simple control scheme, simple yet intuitive flight model, fun targets, and a soundtrack that has impeccable vibes from start to finish.
Nintendo has released one N64 game per month on Nintendo Switch so far. If it sticks to that schedule, we’re currently sorted through June 2023. What games are next? I’m still hopeful for Mischief Makers, Killer Instinct Gold, and Castlevania 64 (which really isn’t as bad as you think it is).
Overall, it’s going to be a great time for Nintendo Switch Online’s N64 library. Between the eclectic minigames of Pokémon Stadium, GoldenEye’s awesome multiplayer, and Mario Party’s propensity to destroy friendships, the days of late 90s sleepovers have truly returned.