Rare Mario Games Announced for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass on Mario Day

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Nintendo announced that three classic Mario games will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service starting on Mario Day (March 10th).

Subscribers to the Expansion Pack will now have access to games originally released for the Virtual Boy and Game Boy Advance, at no extra charge.

Games Included in the March 10 Update

Three titles are scheduled for release on March 10:

  • Mario’s Tennis (Virtual Boy, 1995)
  • Mario Clash (Virtual Boy, 1995)
  • Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Game Boy Advance, 2004)

Details on the Titles

Released early in the series of Mario sports games, Mario’s Tennis brought 3D tennis to handheld consoles, which was innovative for its time. It used the Virtual Boy’s unique 3D display to create a sense of depth while playing, though the system’s technology caused some issues with how clearly the game appeared and how comfortable it was to play.

The Virtual Boy didn’t last very long, so finding a physical copy of Mario’s Tennis is difficult. This digital release offers one of the easiest ways for players today to enjoy the game.

Mario Clash was a fresh take on the classic Donkey Kong, swapping traditional jumping and running for new ways to play. Players climbed and dodged enemies in a 3D world, showcasing Nintendo’s willingness to try new things with its well-known characters and take advantage of the Virtual Boy’s special capabilities. Similar to Mario’s Tennis, it’s a rare game that’s important to keep available for future generations on today’s systems.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a puzzle-platformer that takes inspiration from the original Donkey Kong arcade game, but with a fresh twist. You guide Mini Mario toys through tricky obstacles. This game was an important first step in creating the Mario vs. Donkey Kong puzzle series for handheld Nintendo systems, shifting the focus from fast-paced arcade action to slower, level-based puzzles designed for the Game Boy Advance.

Access and Requirements

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a more expensive version of the basic Nintendo Switch Online membership. It gives you access to classic games from older consoles like the Virtual Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo 64. You need an active Expansion Pack subscription to play these classic games, and it’s different from the regular Switch Online plan.

As a huge Mario fan, I’m already buzzing about Mario Day! While Nintendo hasn’t revealed any extra goodies beyond the games themselves, everyone’s hoping they’ll drop some exciting news. Luckily, they are doing a Nintendo Direct that day, and it’s going to include a special look at the Super Mario Bros. Movie – which is definitely something to look forward to!

Context Within Nintendo’s Classic Game Strategy

Adding these games shows Nintendo is steadily growing the collection of classic titles available on the Switch. Since launching its online service, Nintendo has been consistently bringing back older games, working to keep them accessible for players.

Nintendo regularly adds classic games to its online service, often timed with events like Mario Day, to give players more variety.

Offering these games online lets players enjoy classic titles without needing the original consoles. Nintendo Switch Online members can play them right on their Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

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2026-03-08 18:56