It's pretty awesome that the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack has made it possible to play retro games like Mario Kart 64 online with friends and family. The Expansion Pack offers both Nintendo 64 games, which support up to four players, as well as Sega Genesis titles, which can be played with up to two people. Not sure how to set up online mutliplayer? We're here to help.
How to play Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games online
Just like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System applications, you'll be able to invite and play with anyone in your Nintendo Switch Friends List. You'll also be able to use voice chat, but only through the Nintendo Switch Online mobile application.
Which N64 games offer online multiplayer?
The following games support up to four players:
- Mario Kart 64
- Dr. Mario 64
- Mario Tennis
- Star Fox 64
- Win Back: Covert Operations
- Sin and Punishment (2 players only)
How to play Nintendo 64 games online
Here's how to get your multiplayer session off the ground:
- Select the Nintendo 64 — Nintendo Switch Online application from the HOME menu.
- In the menu in the application's left margin, select Play Online. Your system will automatically search for any friends who may be playing Nintendo 64 games as well.Source: iMore
- Choose a friend's lobby to join. Whoever creates a lobby has control of all menu actions until you've quit.Source: iMore
- Once your friend has chosen a game, have fun playing!Source: iMore
- If no one is available, you can choose to create a lobby and play a game while you wait. When your friends come online, they can simply join your lobby. If you'd like, set a three-digit passcode that friends can enter when joining your lobby.Source: iMore
- If you'd like, you can invite a friend to play online with you. Select up to three friends from your Friends List. You can always invite friends later by heading to the menu in the left margin.Source: iMore
- To quit, head to the menu in the left margin and select Quit Online Session. If you're currently playing a game, press the - button to quit. Press "Yes" to proceed.Source: iMore
Now you're all set to start an online N64 gaming session or to join one that a friend has created. If you want to play Sega Genesis games online then continue on to the next section.
Which Sega Genesis games offer online multiplayer?
The following games support up to two players:
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- Sonic The Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
How to set up Sega Genesis online multiplayer
Here's how to play these games with friends:
- Select the "Sega Genesis — Nintendo Switch Online" application from the HOME menu.
- In the menu in the application's left margin, select Play Online. Your system will automatically search for any friends who may be playing Sega Genesis games as well.Source: iMore
- Choose a friend's lobby to join. Whoever creates a lobby has control of all menu actions until you've quit.Source: iMore
- Once your friend has chosen a game, have fun playing!Source: iMore
- If no one is available, you can choose to create a lobby and play a game while you wait. When your friends come online, they can simply join your lobby. If you'd like, set a three-digit passcode that friends can enter when joining your lobby.Source: iMore
- If you'd like, you can invite a friend to play online with you. Select a friend from your Friends List. You can always invite friends later by heading to the menu in the left margin.Source: iMore
- To quit, head to the menu in the left margin and select Quit Online Session. If you're currently playing a game, press the - button to quit. Press "Yes" to proceed.Source: iMore
Now you can experience these Sega Genesis games with friends regardless of whether or not they're sitting right next to you. Enjoy these classic games!
Things to look out for
Some users have experienced quite a bit of input lag when playing both single-player and multiplayer games. If this happens to you, check your internet connection to see if it's secure. The Nintendo Switch OLED model has a built-in ethernet port in the console's dock, but regular Switch users will have to purchase a LAN adapter as a separate accessory.
Multiplayer madness
If there's one thing about Nintendo, it's that it has always focused on couch co-op and multiplayer. However, with social distancing and meeting friends online, it's always good to have the option to play with others, even if you're not in the same room. Setting up a multiplayer party isn't very difficult, so you'll be dominating the Mario Kart 64 track in no time!
A new and improved Nintendo Switch
The newest member of the Nintendo Switch family is the OLED model, which incorporates new and improved features to the system, including a larger OLED display, a more stable kickstand for tabletop play, a LAN port, and an upgraded 64GB of internal storage. It's the classic Nintendo Switch, but better.