These Rare games have joined Nintendo Online, but some fans are disappointed

Nintendo's latest announcement on February 21st brings excitement to Switch Online subscribers, as five classic Rare games are set to debut on the platform.

Revealed during the Nintendo Direct event, fans can anticipate the arrival of beloved Rare-developed titles such as Killer Instinct and Battletoads in Battlemaniacs for the SNES, along with R.C. Pro-Am and Snake Rattle 'n' Roll for the NES.

Additionally, Rare's acclaimed N64 masterpiece, Blast Corps, will be accessible exclusively to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.

While enthusiasts eagerly await these additions, there's a notable absence of the cherished Donkey Kong 64 from Rare's collection. Speculation arises whether this iconic title could be primed for a remake in the near future.

How to play Rare games on Nintendo Switch?

To enjoy these nostalgic treasures, a paid membership to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is required, granting access to a vast library of N64, SEGA Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, as well as exclusive DLC content for popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 2.

Rare fan reactions on Switch announcement

Nintendo's recent Partner Showcase left fans buzzing with excitement, particularly with the revelation of five more timeless Rare games joining the Switch Online lineup. 

However, not everyone greeted this news with unbridled enthusiasm. Amongst the cheers, murmurs of discontent echoed from those yearning for Xbox's revered Rare Replay collection to grace Nintendo consoles. 

With titles like Banjo-Kazooie and Jet Force Gemini already making waves on Switch, the absence of Rare Replay sparked a heated debate among enthusiasts, igniting the trending Rare Replay hashtag across social media platforms.

"Rare Replay should have been announced on Switch, but instead we're settling for cold crumbs! Nintendo fans, true Rare fans, have been asking for this compilation for years! Microsoft stole Rare from us and now it's laughing at us!" a disappointed fan exclaimed.

Opinions varied widely, with some die-hard fans expressing disappointment at the seeming exclusion of Rare's comprehensive compilation. 

On the flip side, others celebrated the latest Switch Online announcement, relishing the opportunity to delve into more of Rare's iconic titles.

"I think I had these on Xbox already in Rare Replay but playing on Switch would be nice, especially with the retro controllers," a user said.

Yet, amidst the fervent discussions, a sobering reality emerged. Neither Microsoft nor Nintendo has hinted at the possibility of Rare Replay migrating to alternate platforms. Speculations abound regarding the technical and financial complexities that such a move would entail, tempering the hopes of hopeful fans.

While the desire to see Rare Replay on Switch remains palpable, it's essential to acknowledge the potential challenges and uncertainties lurking behind the scenes. As the gaming community eagerly awaits further developments, only time will tell if this cherished collection will find its way onto Nintendo's beloved console.