Nintendo is finally bringing Nintendo 64 classics like "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" and "Sega Genesis" to Nintendo Switch Online, but at a higher price. The company revealed during a Nintendo Direct event in September 2021 that more than 20 classic titles will be coming to the subscription service this October. These include "Super Mario 64," "Star Fox 64," "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," "Streets of Rage 2," etc.

Being able to play N64 and Sega Genesis games on the Switch is certainly exciting news. More interesting than the inclusion of these older consoles was the announcement of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. This new membership plan offers all the benefits of a regular membership, including online play, a library of current retro games, and exclusive deals, in addition to the aforementioned Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. In other words, Nintendo seems to be trying to catch gamers with N64 titles by charging more for online play. However, Nintendo did not reveal the price of this new extended pass.

Unfortunately, Nintendo did not reveal the price of the Expansion Pack. However, the company did reveal that it will be available starting in late October. At that point, fans will be able to purchase the plan and load their favorite N64 and Sega games. Some titles, like "Mario Kart 64," will allow up to four players to play online.

Below is the lineup of launch titles. There will be more to come, including "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

The Nintendo Switch Online service has always been a cobbled-together affair. The constant drip feed of classic games may sound good on paper, but in practice, the company's approach has often been frustrating; Nintendo Switch Online is also about keeping players connected during gaming sessions, It is not the best. There are also issues with cloud saves and the inability of certain titles, such as Splatoon 2, to use that feature.

The biggest advantage of Nintendos Online was that it was cheaper than PSN or Xbox Live (online subscription services for Sony and Microsoft consoles). And while this new expansion pack/plan will likely still be cheaper than rival subscription services, I'm not willing to pay more. Even if it means forgoing the Nintendo 64 and Sega games. But in the end, nostalgia may get the better of me.