Can I use the Nintendo Switch Online N64 rewind feature on my original Switch? Many Nintendo fans are eager to experience enhanced gameplay with the new Nintendo Switch Online N64 rewind feature. However, this exciting upgrade is only available on the next-generation Switch 2 console, leaving original Switch users with fewer enhancements. With high interest around Nintendo Switch Online N64 updates and Switch 2 launch details, let’s explore what’s coming, what’s missing, and how it impacts your gaming experience.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch Online N64 library will receive three major updates on June 5th, coinciding with the highly anticipated Switch 2 release. Players using the new console will unlock the coveted Rewind feature, allowing them to effortlessly undo gameplay mistakes—a must-have for those tackling challenging N64 classics. Additionally, Switch 2 users can enjoy a CRT filter that mimics the retro aesthetics of old-school CRT televisions, delivering a wave of nostalgia.

However, for those sticking with the original Switch console, the news is a bit of a letdown. The only upgrade for Switch Online N64 games on the original hardware is customizable controls, giving players more flexibility over their gaming setup but missing out on the immersive Rewind and CRT filter features. Despite this, the CRT filter and Rewind functionality have been available for NES and SNES games on the service for some time, making it even more frustrating that older Switch owners are left behind.

This move by Nintendo has raised eyebrows among the gaming community. Many speculate that it’s a strategic push to boost Switch 2 sales, priced at $449.99, by locking key features behind the newer hardware. Considering the N64 games are now nearly three decades old, it’s surprising that the original Switch can’t handle something as simple as a CRT filter, hinting at a potential marketing ploy rather than a technical limitation.

For those considering upgrading, the N64 game library is part of the premium Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, costing $49.99 per year—more than double the price of the basic membership. With high-value features now exclusive to the Switch 2, Nintendo appears to be adding more premium elements to entice players into its ecosystem.

These changes reflect broader trends in the gaming industry, where features like customizable controls, enhanced visuals, and gameplay rewind options are increasingly tied to hardware upgrades. If you’re on the fence about investing in the Switch 2, the exclusivity of these features might tip the scales, especially for fans of retro gaming and those seeking a smoother, more flexible gameplay experience.