Summary
Nintendo Switch Onlineis adding a classic game that very few saw coming: the Game Boy Advance launch titleF-Zero: Maximum Velocity. The futuristicF-Zeroseries has somewhat faded into the background since the early 2000s, with modern gamers likely recognizing its main protagonist Captain Falcon more for his appearances in theSuper Smash Bros. series than the franchise he debuted in. There have been a handful ofF-Zerogames released since the original SNES title, with the most recent one being the online multiplayer battle royaleF-Zero 99that launched onNintendo Switch Onlinelast September.
F-Zero 99left hardcore fans divided, with some hoping for a more traditional entry in the series that has been left on the sidelines for nearly two decades. OriginalF-Zeroartist Takaya Imamuraaddressed the series’ long hiatus last summer, explaining that Nintendo likely doesn’t want a newF-Zerogame to compete with the similarMario Kart. That isn’t to say that a return is completely out of the question, asF-Zero GXproducer Toshihiro Nagoshi has stated that he would be interested in working on a new installment.
In the meantime, a classic entry in theF-Zeroseries is finally making its way ontothe Nintendo Switch Online librarylater this week.F-Zero: Maximum Velocitywas the third mainline game in the franchise, and was released in 2001 as a launch title for the then-current Nintendo Game Boy Advance. It features the same high-speed racing gameplay and colorful graphics as its console predecessors, but its story takes place 25 years after these games - meaning thatF-Zeromascot Captain Falcon is nowhere to be found.F-Zero: Maximum Velocitywill be released on Nintendo Switch Online on Friday, March 29.
Nintendo Switch Online already includes thetwo previousF-Zerogamesas part of its library of past Nintendo titles, with the originalF-Zerobeing released as part of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Nintendo Switch Online collection in 2019 and 1998’sF-Zero Xbeing added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack with online multiplayer in 2022. Nintendo Switch Online is also home to several classic Game Boy Advance titles, such asFire Emblem: The Blazing BladeandThe Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
NowF-Zero: Maximum Velocityis being added to the list of retro gems fromthe Game Boy Advance eraavailable on Nintendo Switch Online, much to the surprise of fans who are still hoping for a full series renaissance in the wake ofF-Zero 99. Only time will tell what the future ofF-Zeroholds, but players will at least be able to dive back into the blistering futuristic racing action ofMaximum Velocitywhen it comes toNintendo Switch Onlinethis Friday.
Game Boy Advance Games on Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
