Nintendo Launches Three Retro Mario Classics on Switch

Nintendo has announced the addition of three classic Mario titles to its Switch Online service, coinciding with the annual celebration of MAR10 Day on March 10. This expansion is available exclusively to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service, including those who have opted for the expansion pack, which costs approximately €40 per year. The new offerings include titles from various eras of Nintendo’s gaming history, showcasing the company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its iconic franchises.

Three Classic Titles Available for Download

Starting March 10, 2026, players will have access to the following retro games:

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

The inclusion of these titles highlights Nintendo’s efforts to enhance its digital library with games that have historical significance. The Game Boy Advance title, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, originally released in 2004, is a puzzle platformer where players guide Mario through intricate levels to rescue toy characters.

Reviving Rare Virtual Boy Titles

The other two titles, Mario’s Tennis and Mario Clash, hail from the Virtual Boy, a console that had a brief lifespan due to its unique design and limited technology. Mario’s Tennis was one of the launch titles for the Virtual Boy and allows for both singles and doubles matches. It is regarded as a precursor to the modern Mario Tennis series, featuring rudimentary 3D effects that were innovative for its time.

While the original Virtual Boy lacked proper networking capabilities, the Switch version enables local multiplayer without the need for a link cable, enhancing the gameplay experience. Mario Clash, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the classic Mario Bros. arcade game. Players defeat enemies by utilizing tanks, with a gameplay mechanic that takes advantage of the 3D capabilities of the Virtual Boy, challenging players’ spatial awareness.

The launch of these retro titles not only caters to long-time fans of the franchise but also introduces a new generation of players to Nintendo’s rich gaming history. By making these classics available on the Switch, Nintendo aims to provide an accessible platform for fans to enjoy beloved titles while celebrating the legacy of one of gaming’s most iconic characters.