Nintendo is celebrating Mario Day – March 10th – with a gift for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Starting March 10, 2026, players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership will gain access to three classic Mario titles: Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario’s Tennis, and Mario Clash. The addition of these games, originally released on the Game Boy Advance and Virtual Boy consoles, expands the growing library of retro titles available through the subscription service. This latest offering underscores Nintendo’s commitment to preserving and sharing its gaming history with a modern audience, offering a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and a modern discovery for younger players.
Nintendo Switch Online provides access to a rotating catalog of games from older Nintendo systems. The base membership, priced at $20 annually, allows for online play. For $50 per year, subscribers can upgrade to the Expansion Pack, unlocking access to a wider range of classic games, including titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Virtual Boy. The addition of these three Mario games is a direct benefit of the Expansion Pack, offering a deeper dive into Nintendo’s rich gaming heritage. The service has become a key component of the Nintendo Switch experience, providing ongoing value beyond just online multiplayer functionality.
Virtual Boy Classics Join the Nintendo Switch Online Roster
Two of the newly added titles, Mario’s Tennis and Mario Clash, hail from the Virtual Boy, Nintendo’s unique and often-remembered foray into virtual reality gaming in the mid-1990s. Mario’s Tennis, released in 1995, featured multiple game modes, including single and doubles play with seven playable characters. It’s considered an early precursor to the popular Mario Tennis series. Mario Clash, also from the Virtual Boy, draws inspiration from the arcade game Mario Bros. Players control Mario as he eliminates enemies by launching Koopa shells in a two-dimensional platforming environment, utilizing level elements to bounce projectiles and reach opponents.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Brings Puzzle-Platforming to Switch Online
Rounding out the trio is Mario vs. Donkey Kong, initially launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. Inspired by the original Donkey Kong arcade game, this title blends platforming with puzzle elements. Players guide Mario through various levels, collecting keys, avoiding obstacles, and pursuing Donkey Kong. The game resonated with players on the handheld console and even received a remake on the Nintendo Switch in 2024, demonstrating its enduring appeal. Bringing the original Game Boy Advance version to Nintendo Switch Online allows subscribers to revisit or experience this classic for the first time.
Expanding the Virtual Boy Library
The inclusion of Mario’s Tennis and Mario Clash marks a continued expansion of the Virtual Boy application within Nintendo Switch Online. Launched recently, the application allows players to access a selection of games from the distinctive console. With these additions, the Virtual Boy catalog now boasts nine available games for subscribers. Nintendo plans to progressively enrich this library throughout 2026, though a complete list of future titles has not yet been revealed. This ongoing commitment to the Virtual Boy demonstrates Nintendo’s willingness to revisit and preserve even its more experimental gaming endeavors.
More Games Coming to Nintendo Switch Online in March
March promises to be a busy month for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers beyond the Mario Day additions. During the Pokémon Day 2026 celebration, The Pokémon Company announced the upcoming release of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on the service. This RPG, originally released on the GameCube, is considered a sequel to Pokémon Colosseum and features turn-based combat mechanics inspired by the third generation of Pokémon games. Although a specific release date for Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness hasn’t been announced, It’s expected to arrive sometime in March, adding another highly anticipated title to the Nintendo Switch Online lineup.
The addition of these classic titles highlights the value proposition of Nintendo Switch Online, particularly the Expansion Pack, for fans of retro gaming. The service provides a convenient and affordable way to experience a wide range of beloved games from Nintendo’s past, alongside the benefits of online play and other exclusive features. For those interested in learning more about Nintendo Switch Online and its various membership options, visit Nintendo’s official website.
Looking ahead, Nintendo has not yet revealed the full slate of games planned for release on Nintendo Switch Online throughout 2026. However, the company has indicated its continued commitment to expanding the service’s library with both classic and new titles. Subscribers can expect further announcements and additions in the coming months, continuing to enhance the value and appeal of Nintendo Switch Online.
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