Nintendo Switch Online is set to delight retro gaming fans once again by adding the NES version of Tetris on December 12. This move marks another feather in the cap for Nintendo’s ever-expanding library of nostalgic treasures available on its subscription service.
In contrast to services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online doesn’t stick to a strict schedule when it comes to new game releases. Instead, titles tend to drop every few months, with an uptick during special occasions, such as anniversaries. Most recently, fans saw the addition of the first two Donkey Kong Land games towards the end of November 2024, along with Mercs and Vectorman, among others, joining the Expansion Pack-tier library.
Nintendo fans will recall that the arrival of Tetris was hinted at back in late August 2024, so its official debut isn’t a huge surprise. Though Nintendo often rolls out several titles at once, the NES version of Tetris seems to be handling the spotlight solo for now—unless Nintendo has a surprise up its sleeve, which wouldn’t be unheard of.
Marking its 35th year since the North American release, Tetris for the NES will soon be accessible through all tiers of Nintendo’s subscription service. This anticipated release comes shortly after the Game Boy version was made available to subscribers earlier in February 2023.
Looking ahead, Nintendo’s historical patterns suggest that more games might still make their way to the NSO library come December 2024. Since the launch of Nintendo Switch Online in 2018, new games have consistently been added each December. Even the quieter years haven’t slowed down the stream of classic titles, with last December featuring the inclusion of 1080° Snowboarding and Harvest Moon 64. This year could either set a record with fewer releases or surprise us with more additions alongside Tetris.
Nintendo enthusiasts are further intrigued by the recent announcement by President Shuntaro Furukawa, confirming that the upcoming Switch 2 console will support the Nintendo Switch Online service. This could mean Tetris and other classics will be enjoyed on the anticipated hardware, unless, of course, its stay on the current service is notably brief.
As Nintendo continues to evolve, so does its robust and beloved catalog of games, ensuring fans both new and old have numerous reasons to stay engaged and entertained. Whether Tetris is a standalone gift or part of a larger package this December, it’s bound to bring back fond memories and create new ones for players around the world.
