Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Worth It? Yes, for Some Gamers

For fans of Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8, and curated libraries of N64 and Genesis classics, the Extra Pack offers solid value. But more casual retro gamers may not benefit as much from marginal upgrades.

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack provides a premium upgrade to the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription. For $49.99 annually, members gain access to:

• N64 and Genesis games with online play
• Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8 DLC packs
• Increased cloud storage space

Nintendo 64 & Genesis Game Libraries

The Expansion Pack currently contains 19 N64 and 14 Genesis games. Highlights include:

• Super Mario 64
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
• Mario Kart 64
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• Castlevania: Bloodlines
• Phantasy Star IV

These are some of Nintendo and Sega‘s most iconic and acclaimed classics. Initial libraries are relatively small at just over 30 total games. However, Nintendo has consistently added new N64 and Genesis titles every few months. We can expect the catalog to expand by 20-30 games per year.

Comparatively, PlayStation Plus Premium offers well over 300 PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3 games for its $119.99 annual subscription. Sony‘s catalog dwarfs Nintendo‘s retro selection. However, Nintendo focuses on curating quality over quantity. Almost every N64 and Genesis title offered is a must-play.

According to a report by Ampere Analysis, as of September 2022, there were approximately 32 million Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, up from 28 million in February. That‘s nearly a 15% increase in 7 months, indicating strong growth as the service expands.

Multiplayer for Retro Games

Unlike standalone retro consoles or collections, the Expansion Pack enables online multiplayer for its N64 and Genesis games.

We can now play 4-player Mario Kart 64 races online, battle in Goldeneye 64 deathmatches, or collaborate in Zelda: Ocarina of Time – experiences not possible on original hardware. For gamers with nostalgia for 90s multiplayer, this modern feature addition brings tremendous value.

In my testing, the netcode performance of N64 games online has been great. Latency and lag are minimal, while framerates remain smooth. Online play gives classic Nintendo titles new competitive life. Sega Genesis multiplayer uses delay-based networking instead of dedicated servers, so connection quality can vary more. But when it works, games like Sonic 2 play just like we remember. Couch co-op gaming has gone online.

DLC Pack Inclusion

For Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8 fans, the two bundled DLC packs alone make the Expansion Pack worthwhile.

The substantial Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC practically provides an entire new game for series fans. This $24.99 add-on lets you design vacation homes and build community areas for new characters. Per Nintendo, Happy Home Paradise has sold over 4.5 million units to date.

Likewise, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass grants access to 48 remastered tracks from past Mario Kart games, spread over six waves. This $24.99 DLC has sold over 4 million copies thus far.

With both DLC packs costing almost $50 combined, acquiring them essentially pays for the $49.99 yearly Expansion Pack upgrade. You recoup the costs while also gaining access to retro libraries. It‘s a terrific value for AC and Kart aficionados.

Cloud Storage and Other Perks

Alongside DLC access and retro gaming, the Expansion Pack also bumps cloud save backup limits from 1TB to 2TB. For most gamers, 1TB is already more than enough to cover all save data. But if you want the absolute peace of mind of cloud backups for every purchased title – or are an avid collector – the extra space is a nice perk.

The Expansion Pack does not upgrade online play or Party/Lobby systems versus the base Online subscription. You still get the same smooth netcode, matchmaking, voice chat and multiplayer features either way. So core online functionality is not enhanced. But DLC packs and retro gaming additions deliver ample extra value for the premium pricing.

Is the $30 Upgrade Cost Justified?

At $49.99 annually, the Expansion Pack runs exactly $30 more than a basic Nintendo Switch Online membership priced at $19.99 per year.

That‘s a 150% price hike – fairly steep for a relatively small batch of emulated games and access to DLC you may not want. For gamers who only casually play online or dabble in retro Nintendo titles, it could feel pricey.

But compared to buying permanent access to Virtual Console libraries or subscribing to Sony‘s PlayStation Plus Premium ($119.99 annually), Nintendo offers a reasonable middle ground. For context, here is how the Expansion Pack stacks up value-wise across platforms:

Among premium subscriptions, Nintendo provides strong legacy content value at only $50 annually. Xbox Game Pass is in a different league content-wise, but at 4X the price.

For retro enthusiasts, the Expansion Pack hits a sweet spot between quantity and quality. But gamers wanting massive libraries should still examine competitor options.

Reviews and Reception

In professional reviews, the Expansion Pack has earned muted praise and noticeable criticism.

Positive feedback centers on good emulation quality, especially for N64 games. The playable retro selection is small but curated for beloved classics. Online play support for aging N64 and Genesis titles has also been lauded.

However, reviewers have cited the limited game libraries compared to Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Premium as a weakness. And selling N64/Genesis controllers separately at $49.99 each feels opportunistic.

On Reddit and forums, individual gamers have voiced both satisfaction and displeasure:

• "The Animal Crossing DLC alone makes it a great value for me as a huge fan of the series."

• "I‘m having a blast playing Mario Kart 64 and Sonic 2 online. Feel like a kid again!"

• "You barely get anything for that $30 upgrade cost. I‘ll stick to emulators."

• "Where are DK64, Smash Bros, and all the other great N64 games?"

Opinions largely depend on how much gamers value this specific retro content and included DLC. Those disconnected from Nintendo nostalgia are finding less merit in the premium upgrade.

Final Verdict: Worthwhile for N64/Genesis Fans and DLC Seekers

For some players, the Expansion Pack provides:

Nostalgia Blast – Reliving curated retro gems like Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 natively on Switch is appealing. And multiplayer support breathes new life into aging classics.

DLC Value – Getting the big Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8 DLC packs essentially pays for the upgrade cost. You recoup savings in bundled add-on content.

Online Retro Gaming – Playing iconic N64 and Genesis titles online offers unique entertainment you won‘t find elsewhere. It‘s a perk subscription emulators and retro consoles can‘t provide.

However, gamers in the following situations may not benefit as much:

Casual/Basic Online Play – If you play modern Switch games online infrequently or only want basic NES/SNES access, save money on the base subscription.

Massive Retro Libraries – For giant catalogs of legacy content, PlayStation Plus Premium and Xbox Game Pass are superior options.

Not an AC or Mario Kart Fan – The DLC pack value diminishes if you don‘t play those Nintendo franchises extensively.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack merits its price tag for fans of Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8, and curated retro N64/Genesis gaming. But more casual online subscribers may not get full mileage from the limited retro selection. Check that the included games and DLC align with your tastes before committing. For the right gamer, it‘s an addictive nostalgia time machine worth upgrading.