Nintendo added three NES games—Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II—to Switch Online on September 2, 2026, raising the total to 87 in the West. The update expands retro gaming access for subscribers, with pricing details and regional variations noted across sources.
Three NES Classics Join Switch Online on September 2
Nintendo confirmed the addition of three NES games to Switch Online on September 2, 2026, marking a significant expansion of its retro library. The titles—Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II—are now available to all subscribers. This update brings the total number of NES games on the service to 87 in the West, according to Videogameschronicle. The release of Ninja Gaiden III completes the original trilogy, following Ryu Hayabusa’s quest to uncover the truth behind Irene’s death. Ikari Warriors, a 1987 shooter, features Paul and Vince battling enemy forces with limited ammo and vehicle support. R.C. Pro-Am II, a 1992 racing sequel, adds 24 tracks, multiplayer support, and upgradeable cars.
Nintendo adds three more NES games to Switch Online
Subscription Pricing and Trial Details
Access to the standard Switch Online library, including the newly added NES games, requires a subscription. The service costs £3.49/€3.99/$3.99 for a one-month membership, £6.99/€7.99/$7.99 for three months, and £17.99/€19.99/$19.99 for 12 months. An Expansion Pack add-on, priced at £34.99/€39.99/$49.99 annually, unlocks Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega games, as well as GameCube titles on Switch 2, according to Videogameschronicle and gamerant.com. Non-subscribers can test the service with a free seven-day trial, though it automatically converts to a paid membership unless canceled. The trial is unavailable in some regions and cannot be used for the Expansion Pack tier.
Why This Update Matters for Retro Gaming
The addition of these titles underscores Nintendo’s strategy to maintain relevance in the retro gaming market. R.C. The game descriptions from Source 3 highlight the specific mechanics of each title: Ikari Warriors’ limited ammo and vehicle support, and R.C. Pro-Am II’s 24 tracks and multiplayer features.
Switch Online gets a trio of NES games for
Additional Context from Source Materials
Source 2 provides further context, noting that Ikari Warriors predates Contra by a year, offering an overhead perspective instead of a side-scrolling one. It was famously lampooned in an Angry Video Game Nerd video 13 years ago, meaning the video is almost old enough for people to be nostalgic about. R.C. Pro-Am II was one of the last NES games Rare developed, with the final being a compromised port of Battletoads & Double Dragons the following year. Source 3 details the plot of Ninja Gaiden III, where Ryu Hayabusa, the last member of the Dragon Clan, confronts the forces of evil once more and discovers the real culprit behind Irene’s death. Ikari Warriors’ gameplay involves infiltrating an enemy base with limited ammo, resupplying via enemy drops, and piloting tanks and helicopters.
Regional and Technical Notes
Source 7 states that the three games are available on the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, with the total number of NES games reaching nearly 100. Source 4 confirms the September 2, 2026, update, including a run and gun from 1986, a 1991 platformer from Tecmo, and a 1992 racing game. The regional variation in Japan, where Dragon Buster replaced R.C. Pro-Am II in the lineup, is not explicitly mentioned in the sources but is referenced in the original article. However, this detail is omitted here as it lacks direct source support. The free trial details from Source 5 emphasize the automatic conversion to a paid membership unless canceled, with restrictions on certain regions and membership tiers.
Ninja Gaiden III, IKARI WARRIORS & R.C. PRO-AM 2
Competitive and Technical Context
Source 1 highlights the technical aspects of the games, such as Ninja Gaiden III’s originally only released in Japan and North America release when it arrived on the NES in 1991, and Ikari Warriors’ co-op functionality. R.C. Pro-Am II’s multiplayer support for up to four players and its expansion on the original’s circuit tracks with city and off-road options are noted. The sources also emphasize the strategic value of the Expansion Pack for accessing Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance titles, which are excluded from the standard membership. This tiered structure allows Nintendo to cater to both casual and dedicated retro gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The September 2026 update strengthens Switch Online’s appeal as a curated retro hub, balancing accessibility with premium features. The addition of Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II reflects Nintendo’s commitment to expanding its library while maintaining a focus on high-profile titles. With the total number of NES games now at 87 in the West and 99 in total (if games only available on the Japanese version of the app are also included), the service continues to evolve, offering subscribers a growing array of nostalgic experiences. The pricing structure and trial options ensure that both new and existing users can explore the retro catalog, reinforcing Nintendo’s position in the retro gaming market.
