Nintendo Switch 2: Retro Gaming Gets a Modern Twist with Exclusive N64 Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz not just for its upgraded hardware, but also for exclusive features tailored for retro gaming enthusiasts. Nintendo is sweetening the deal for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers by adding new functionalities to N64 games, but with a catch: some of the coolest upgrades are reserved solely for the Switch 2.

According to reports, via the Nintendo Today app, the Switch 2 will boast a "Rewind" feature, allowing players to undo mistakes made in classic N64 titles. Imagine mistiming a jump in *Super Mario 64* or accidentally veering off course in *Mario Kart 64* – the Rewind feature offers a second chance, a welcome addition for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. This feature is exclusive to the Switch 2.

Adding to the nostalgia factor, the Switch 2 will also include CRT filters. These filters simulate the scan-lines seen on older CRT televisions, giving N64 games a distinctly retro look. Dominic Preston of Tech Advisor notes that these features aim to "crank the nostalgia up to 11 and pretend its 1998."

However, not all updates are exclusive. Both the original Switch and the Switch 2 will receive the ability to remap controls for N64 games. This means players can customize their control schemes for Joy-Cons or even the original Nintendo 64 controller.
Dominic Preston points out the exclusivity feels like a tactic to push consumers towards upgrading, suggesting that the original Switch hardware is more than capable of handling a simple CRT filter.

All three features – Rewind, CRT filters, and control remapping – are slated to arrive on June 5th, coinciding with the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Players opting for the new console will gain immediate access to the rewind and filter features, enhancing their classic N64 experiences.

The N64 library is accessible through Nintendo's premium Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription, priced at $49.99 per year. Are these exclusive features enough to justify the upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2? Will the allure of rewind saves and nostalgic CRT filters tempt retro gaming fans to invest in the latest console? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

• Nintendo 64
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Nintendo Switch Online