Calling all Hyrule warriors and nostalgic adventurers! Nintendo has just dropped some exciting news for fans of its Nintendo 64 catalog on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Starting June 5th, three significant new features will be rolling out, promising to enhance your retro gaming sessions. However, there’s a Goron-sized “but” that Zelda fans will want to note.
The three new features announced are:
- Customizable Controls: Finally, the ability to remap those iconic N64 buttons to your liking!
- Rewind Feature: Made a misstep in a tricky dungeon? Now you’ll be able to turn back the clock.
- CRT Screen Filter: For that authentic blast-from-the-past visual experience.
These are fantastic additions that many have been hoping for, especially for navigating the sometimes-unconventional N64 controller layouts and tackling notoriously challenging sequences in classic games.
Zelda Fans, Here’s What This Means For You (and Your Switch)
For those eager to dive back into Ocarina of Time or Majora’s Mask with these new bells and whistles, here’s the crucial breakdown:
- Customizable Controls (Available on original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2): This is a universal win! Players on all Nintendo Switch models with the Expansion Pack subscription will be able to tweak the N64 controller layout. This could be a game-changer for Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, allowing players to map items or actions to more intuitive buttons, potentially making aiming with the slingshot or bow, or playing the ocarina, a smoother experience. Remember the C-button complexities? Now you’ll have more say in how they work for you!
- Rewind Feature (Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2): This highly anticipated feature, allowing you to rewind gameplay a short period to correct mistakes, will unfortunately only be available on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, also launching on June 5th. For Zelda players, this means those on the original Switch won’t be able to use it to undo a missed jump in the Deku Tree or a fatal error during a boss battle like Goht in Snowhead. However, for future Switch 2 owners, this will be a fantastic tool for tackling some of the Zelda N64 era’s tougher challenges without the frustration of a full game over. Think of retrying those tricky silver rupee collections in Majora’s Mask or nail-biting final blows on Ganon.
- CRT Screen Filter (Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2): Similarly, the option to apply a CRT screen filter to mimic the look of old-school televisions will also be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. While not a gameplay-altering feature, it’s a nice touch for those seeking maximum nostalgia when adventuring through Hyrule Field or Clock Town.
The Road Ahead
While the exclusivity of the Rewind and CRT filter to the Nintendo Switch 2 might be a Deku Nut to swallow for some current Switch owners, the introduction of customizable controls for everyone is a significant step forward.
Nintendo’s official announcement, which you can view here (though the video primarily showcases the features on Switch 2), highlights these updates as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
So, come June 5th, Expansion Pack members on the original Switch will still benefit from much-needed controller customization for their N64 Zelda adventures. And for those planning to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2, an even richer N64 experience awaits, bringing modern conveniences to timeless classics.
What are your thoughts, Zelda Central readers? Are you excited about customizable controls? Will the new features on Switch 2 tempt you to upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!
