The Nintendo Switch 2 launches next week, and in addition to its launch line-up, which includes brand new games like Mario Kart World, the console will get access to GameCube games through Nintendo Switch Online. However, today we learned that the Switch 2 will also get new quality-of-life features for Nintendo 64 games through NSO, making it easier than ever to play them.
When playing N64 games on the Switch 2, players will now be able to rewind their gameplay at the press of a button, potentially succeeding on missed jumps or other reflex-intensive tasks. In the example video, a player is able to redo a jump on the ice slide in Super Mario 64. The footage shows the ability to rewind a few seconds, but the UI indicates you’ll be able to go back farther than that, though the maximum length is unclear.
The Switch 2 will also have an option for a CRT filter, recreating the retro vibe of an older TV by running lines across the screen to smooth out otherwise jagged polygons. This is a fairly common option in collections of older games, so it’s nice to see it appear here as well.
Finally, players can now also change the controls of an N64 game in the pause menu, either remapping buttons to other, more comfortable spots on the controller, or assigning functions to buttons that didn’t exist at the time, like mapping shortcuts to the ZL button or the d-pad. It also looks like you can adjust the inputs on the joysticks, potentially inverting the camera in games where it normally isn’t possible.
The news was announced through the Nintendo Today app, the company’s new go-to platform for major announcements. While Nintendo 64 games are playable on the original Nintendo Switch through NSO, only the button remapping feature will be available on the console. The CRT filter and the Rewind function are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. All three features will be available when the Switch 2 launches on June 5.
For more Switch 2, check out all the Mario Kart World news from last week, including its huge number of songs, its huge number of courses, and how it was originally a Switch 1 title.