Nintendo Launches Three Retro Mario Classics for Switch Users

Nintendo has announced the addition of three iconic Mario titles to its Switch Online service, coinciding with the celebration of MAR10 Day on March 10, 2026. This update caters exclusively to users subscribed to the expansion pack, further enriching the digital library of retro games available to Nintendo Switch owners.

Three Classic Titles Available

The newly included games span different generations of gaming hardware. Players can look forward to experiencing:

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Game Boy Advance)
• Mario’s Tennis (Virtual Boy)
• Mario Clash (Virtual Boy)

Access to these titles requires an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, which costs approximately €40 per year. This latest expansion reflects Nintendo’s commitment to preserving its rich gaming history for both new and veteran players.

Exploring the Titles

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a puzzle platformer originally released in 2004. It serves as a spiritual successor to the classic Donkey Kong game from 1994. In this title, players guide Mario through intricate levels to rescue small toy characters, combining skill with strategy.

The other two additions, both originating from the Virtual Boy, provide a unique glimpse into an experimental era of gaming. Mario’s Tennis was a launch title for the Virtual Boy and features singles and doubles matches, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the Mario Tennis series. Despite its limited technology, the original game introduced rudimentary 3D effects, enhancing the gaming experience.

Mario Clash, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the classic Mario Bros. arcade game. Players must navigate platforms and defeat opponents by throwing objects, with the emulated version retaining the original’s spatial mechanics, challenging players’ spatial awareness.

The inclusion of these retro titles on the Switch is a strategic move by Nintendo, tapping into nostalgia while also attracting new subscribers to its online services. With March 10 marking the availability of these classic games, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to relive these memorable experiences.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Nintendo’s focus on classic titles showcases its intent to balance innovation with tradition, ensuring that both past and present gamers can enjoy the legacy of Mario.