Nintendo Switch Online Shadow Drops Underrated GameCube Platformer

Considered by many to be one of the most underrated Nintendo platformers of all time, Wario World is finally making a comeback after Nintendo shadow dropped the unsung 3D Wario game on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Nintendo Switch Online library has continued to grow with a variety of beloved retro hits, and the announcement that Wario World will now finally be playable after over two decades since its original release has promptly been met with massive celebrations by longtime Nintendo fans.

Nintendo announced just hours before that two more N64 games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online in December, and those two titles also happen to be classic platformers. Both Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble will be arriving on NSO on December 17, but platforming fans can immediately jump into a throwback 3D adventure with Wario World.

Nintendo Switch Online Shadowdrops Four Classic Titles From the Game Boy and NES

Nintendo surprises Switch Online subscribers with a shadowdrop of four total titles split evenly between the Game Boy and NES classic game catalogs.

Nintendo’s shadow drop announcement for Wario World on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack was a pleasant surprise, as many consider the title, which just so happens to be the only fully 3D Wario game, to be a forgotten gem in Nintendo’s massive lineup of Super Mario Bros. games. Wario World sees players taking on the role of the longtime villain as he battles to gather back his treasure that was stolen by an evil sentient jewel. Along the way, Wario can gather a number of collectibles and defeat various enemies, while also overcoming 3D platforming puzzles through linear levels. Wario brings an impressive array of moves to the table, being able to throw punches, grab to spin or throw enemies, and even hit his foes with a WWE-style piledriver for a hilariously satisfying attack.

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While critics and audiences alike praised Wario World for its addictive gameplay, many felt that the title was too short, got overly repetitive after the first few levels, and did not live up to its original retail price. To the delight of those that did enjoy the title, and those who never had a chance to try it out, players can now experience the often underappreciated journey of Wario World via an NSO + Expansion Pack subscription, without any additional purchase for the short-but-sweet game.

GameCube Games on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
F-Zero GX
SoulCaliber 2
Super Mario Strikers
Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure!
Luigi’s Mansion
Wario World

Wario World joins six other GameCube games on Nintendo Switch Online, with all the GameCube titles for NSO only being available to those who have the Expansion Pack subscription tier, which is $49.99 for a one-year single user subscription and $79.99 for an annual family plan. The other GameCube titles include The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, SoulCaliber 2 (which features Link), Super Mario Strikers, Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure!, and the original Luigi’s Mansion. Each of these retro games available on NSO feature slightly improved graphics, suspend points for quick saving, and compatibility with the Joy-Con, pro-controllers, and the official GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch.

Players are still keeping their fingers crossed for even more GameCube games to be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Some of the most highly-requested games for NSO include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Super Mario Sunshine, Pokemon Colosseum, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo is clearly showing no signs of letting off the gas with its continued additions to both the standard Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack tiers, though it remains to be seen just how long fans will have to wait for their favorite GameCube titles to finally join the NSO service. In the meantime, players can jump into Wario World and stay tuned for future updates on the latest games coming to Nintendo Switch Online.