How to order N64 controller for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack

N64 Controller Switch Copy
N64 Controller Switch Copy (Image credit: iMore)

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription gives you access to several N64 and Sega Genesis games. To get the most out of your experience while playing classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Mario Kart 64, the N64 controller will be a great help. Fortunately, Nintendo has created a Switch compatible version of this classic controller to do just that. Playing with the controller, these games were meant to be enjoyed with really does make a difference. They've been selling our fast whenever they come in stock, so check back frequently. Here's how you can get your hands on it.

Ordering an N64 Controller for Nintendo Switch

N64 Controller Nintendo Switch Top Laying Down (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

It's important to note that you can only purchase these snazzy controllers if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Additionally, you're limited to purchasing up to four N64 controllers per Nintendo Account. This being the case, the only place to purchase it is from Nintendo themselves.

You might find people selling it on Amazon and eBay, but these will likely be scalpers who will charge far more for the controller than you should pay. Don't feed the scalpers. If it's currently out of stock when you attempt to buy it, click on Add to Wishlist, and you should receive a notification when it comes back in stock. If you really can't wait, you should consider looking at the best third-party N64 Controllers for Nintendo Switch.

A few additional buttons were added to the N64 controller's retro design to make an actual Nintendo Switch controller. You'll find a screenshot, home, ZR, and sync button on the top. Plus, you won't need to purchase a separate rumble pack as you did with the original controller, as rumble is built-in. Using this classic controller should make playing N64 games easier since this was the controller the games were designed for and since it doesn't have extra buttons and an additional joystick like modern controllers do. However, it might take some getting used to if you haven't used an N64 in a while.

The way they were meant to be played

The N64 controller is about as iconic as the N64 games themselves. It's admittedly a strange design that many of us got used to when we were kids, but it's also what those classic games were designed around. So they should be easier to play when using this controller rather than a modern Switch controller. So grab one while you can.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.