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Nintendo Expands Switch Online Library With 3 New NES and Game Boy Classics

Nintendo recently announced another wave of classic game additions to the Nintendo Switch Online retro library. Three more beloved NES and Game Boy titles will soon be playable for subscribers – The Mysterious Murasame Castle, Devil World, and Castlevania Legends.

Let’s take a nostalgic trip back and explore why each new classic represents a valuable expansion of the Nintendo Switch Online retro collection.

The Mysterious Murasame Castle (NES – 1986)

The first new retro offering is the previously Japan-exclusive The Mysterious Murasame Castle, originally released for the Famicom Disk System add-on in 1986. This represents a rare English localization for an obscure Nintendo title.

Murasame Castle is an action-adventure platformer blending medieval Japanese mythological themes with Nintendo’s signature polish. Players control the samurai Takamaru through quick-paced combat and perilous platforming across five colorful levels.

Despite being largely unknown to Western audiences, Murasame Castle carries historical significance in Nintendo’s library as one of the earliest games directed by Kid Icarus creator Toru Osawa. It also featured music composed by the legendary Koji Kondo of Super Mario Bros fame.

The game stands out through its unique Japanese setting – a breath of fresh air from the American-centric NES library of the 1980s. From Takamaru’s sharp katana and throwing blades toPixel Wrap foes based on Japanese demons, Murasame Castlereally transports players to the Edo period by way of 8-bitvisuals.

Adding this previously overseas-exclusive gem helps diversify the Nintendo Switch Online NES catalog, exposing another missing piece of Nintendo’s early history to a new generation.

Devil World (NES – 1984)

Famicom Disk System owners in the 1980s also got to enjoy Devil World, another Japan-only release arriving on Nintendo Switch Online. This maze-based action game came from an unexpected source – early Legend of Zelda designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

In Devil World, players guide Tamagon the “devil” through each stage’s maze layout to collect crosses and bibles while avoiding touches from enemy “monsters” out to crush Tamagon into ashes.

Despite seemingly tackling demonic themes, Devil World approaches its subject matter with Tamagon’s cute character design and Miyamoto’s playful level designs peppered with Easter eggs. Avoiding religious imagery in exports, Nintendo decided against localizing the game for Western NES consoles back in the 1980s.

Now, Nintendo Switch Online finally brings Devil World’s inventive and challenging maze-chase gameplay to international audiences. Its presentation may feel dated, but Tamagon’s misadventures stand the test of time via engaging level design and a surprisingly catchy soundtrack.

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With Devil World available globally at last, Nintendo helps honor one of its legendary creators’ overlooked early NES contributions.

Castlevania Legends (Game Boy – 1998)

Rounding out the latest Nintendo Switch Online additions, Castlevania Legends represents a classic series spin-off produced exclusively for Nintendo’s monochrome Game Boy handheld.

Castlevania Legends prequels the mainline series timeline by following the origins of the vampire-hunting Belmont clan’s bloodline. The year is 1450 as players control Sonia Belmont, the first heroic Belmont ancestor to face off against Dracula with the legendary Vampire Killer whip.

Castlevania Legends pioneered the deliberate Gothic style and exploration-focused level design that defined future portable Castlevania adventures. Sonia’s expansive quest through 19th century Transylvania also featured a lush soundtrack that pushed the Game Boy’s audio capabilities.

While no longer part of the Castlevania series canon, Castlevania Legends endures as a standout action-platforming showcase for Nintendo’s classic handheld. Its addition lets Switch Online members experience a portable Castlevania quest in its originally intended Game Boy form.

With these three new titles, the expanding Nintendo Switch Online retro selection has something for all classic gamers – whether craving a first-ever English localization, creative Nintendo history, or a beloved fan-favorite series’ handheld spin-off.

Why Growing the Retro Library Adds Value

Some may question the continuing value of a retro game subscription service in 2023. But expanding the Switch Online retro collection with lost classics like The Mysterious Murasame Castle and Devil World demonstrates why the service remains compelling even today:

Preserving Gaming History

These additions represent titles at risk of being lost to time without Nintendo archiving them digitally. Being able to play untouched classics prevents gaming’s past from being forgotten.

Appreciating Regional Differences

localized versions expose fans worldwide to beloved classics they otherwise could not access, broadening cultural appreciation.

Understanding Gaming’s Evolution

Younger gamers can better understand gaming’s early eras by experiencing these predecessors to modern conventions firsthand.

Developer Insights

Early efforts by icons like Miyamoto and Kondo provide unique insights into their game design mentalities at Nintendo’s start.

Art Preservation

The sprites, music, and visuals of legacy games represent art worth saving just like vintage movies celebrated by cinephiles.

While the appeal is admittedly niche, Nintendo Switch Online undoubtedly provides an important preservation service beyond just nostalgia value. The more varied Nintendo can make the library, the richer this interactive trip through gaming history becomes.

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How Nintendo Can Continue Improving the Retro Library

Nintendo deserves praise for continually expanding Switch Online’s lineup of classics. However, there remain areas where Nintendo could amplify value further:

Regional Exclusives – Keep bringing Japan-only games like The Mysterious Murasame Castle to overseas fans.

Game Boy Advance – GBA represents a huge missed opportunity; a genuine joypad makes these games shine.

Curated Themes – Add games along specific themes, like an “80s Co-op” collection with Double Dragon, River City Ransom, etc.

Bonus Content – Concept art, interviews, and other retro materials add context.

Multiplayer – Enable online multiplayer for games traditionally local-only.

Customization – Let players build custom retro compilations by picking from the catalog.

Rotation – Rotate lesser-played games out while bringing new games in to keep the lineup fresh.

Wishlists – Fan voting on potential new additions makes subscribers feel heard.

With some thoughtful improvements like these, Nintendo can maximize the nostalgic joy and historical appreciation derived from this service.

Why New Retro Games Still Matter in the Modern Gaming Landscape

Some gamers contend retro classics feel too dated in the era of 4K/60fps photorealism to remain relevant. Why do these dusty NES or Game Boy titles from decades ago still deserve spotlight today? Consider a few timeless benefits:

Pixel Art Nostalgia

The simplistic pixel sprites of yesteryear gaming remain charming as showcases of minimalist art direction. Their abstraction contrasts with hyper-real modern graphics.

Tight Gameplay Focus

Classics focused gameplay upon strong level design absent of bloated open worlds or complex RPG systems plaguing modern games. Their pick-up-and-play accessibility opens gaming to all.

Fitting Short Play Sessions

Retro games’ compartmentalized level structure lends themselves perfectly to short, discrete play sessions – a good match for Switch portability.

Contrast to Complex Modern Games

The stark mechanical and graphical differences compared to today’s games help put modern gaming’s exponential evolution in perspective.

Speedrunning/Scoring Appeal

Many retro games have thriving speedrunning communities chasing high scores thanks to precise gameplay and short completion times.

Cultural Touchstones

There is artistic merit in experiencing influential retro classics that spawned iconic characters like Mario that remain cultural symbols today.

While dated visually, nostalgic games still contribute unique value. Their accessibility and singular style contrast modern gaming benefits.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s latest additions of The Mysterious Murasame Castle, Devil World, and Castlevania Legends expand the already stellar Nintendo Switch Online retro lineup in meaningfully distinct ways. Beyond just nostalgia trips, these classics represent culturally important gaming artifacts worth preserving.

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Providing legal and legacy-authentic access to gaming’s cornerstone experiences ensures past innovations that laid the groundwork for modern hits aren’t forgotten. There are always more retro favorites that deserve to be showcased for younger gamers and preservation purposes.

With a portable console like the Switch, Nintendo has a platform perfectly suited to helping vintage games find a new audience. Each new release only strengthens the value proposition of the Switch Online retro game vault.

Gaming didn’t begin with hyper-realistic 4K graphics and hundred-hour open worlds. Classics like Devil World showcase how engaging gameplay transcends technological generations. By focusing gameplay around tried-and-true mechanisms, retro games highlight why these designs persist across the decades.

The history lessons offered by rediscovering gaming’s earliest triumphs through Nintendo Switch Online make revisiting retro experiences worth the time even today. With any luck, Nintendo will continue contributing more of its buried treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the latest additions to the Nintendo Switch Online retro library:

What is the Nintendo Switch Online service?

This paid subscription gives Switch owners access to online play, cloud saves, and a selection of NES and SNES games.

How much does a Nintendo Switch Online membership cost?

Plans start at $3.99 monthly or $19.99 annually for an Individual membership. A Family plan for up to 8 people costs $34.99 yearly.

What platforms are currently available on the service?

The retro library includes NES and Super NES titles. Some Japanese exclusive Famicom games are also provided.

How frequently are new retro games added?

Nintendo adds new NES and SNES games about once per month, usually in the middle of the month.

Do I need any additional accessories to play?

No, you can play all the retro games using standard Switch controllers, no vintage-styled controllers required.

Can I play multiplayer in the retro games online?

Yes, Switch Online enables online cooperative and competitive multiplayer for all games that supported multiplayer locally.

Is there a way to request specific retro games be added?

Unfortunately there is no formal channel for user retro game requests, but Nintendo seems to be listening to fan feedback.

Revisiting gaming’s past on the Nintendo Switch reveals that regardless of visual presentation, great gameplay shines eternally. These latest additions prove retro gaming still provides pure entertainment today.

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