Power Up for the 25th Anniversary: Ridge Racer 64 Speeds onto Nintendo Switch Online Today
Get Ready to Rev Up Your Engines: Ridge Racer 64 Lands on Nintendo Switch
If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber with the N64 Expansion Pack, you’re in for a treat – the classic arcade-style racing game Ridge Racer 64 is now available to download and play on your Switch console. This 1999 release may seem like a blast from the past, but its arrival on the Nintendo Switch marks its first appearance on the console, making it a rare gem for gamers to experience.
For many, this will be their first introduction to the game, which was initially released at the end of the Nintendo 64 era. The Switch Online version of Ridge Racer 64 stays true to its roots, offering access to nine courses and various driving modes like Grand Prix, Time Attack, and Quick Play. The multiplayer modes, including Battle Mode, Stage Mode, and Team Mode, add an extra layer of excitement, with the option to unlock up to 32 vehicles.
A Slice of the Past Meets Present
The arrival of Ridge Racer 64 brings the total number of N64 games available on Switch Online to 38, joining the ranks of beloved titles like Starfox 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, F-Zero X, Mario Kart 64, and Banjo Kazooie. The Switch Online Expansion Pack, which costs £34.99/$49.99 a year, not only includes a selection of Sega Mega Drive games but also exclusive DLC from games like Mario Kart 8: Ultimate.
A Renewed Hope for the Iconic Racing Series
The return of Ridge Racer 64 raises questions about the future of the series, which was once a staple of arcade racing experiences. With the likes of Gran Turismo and Need For Speed dominating the console market, it’s easy to forget the thrill of arcade-style racing. The nostalgia-fueled excitement surrounding Ridge Racer 64’s release is a reminder that there’s still a place for pedal-to-the-metal, white-knuckle racing on the Nintendo Switch.
What’s Next for the Iconic Racing Series?
With Ridge Racer 64’s revival, the door is open for a potential resurgence of the series. Let’s hope that Namco’s iconic racing series will see a return to its former glory, offering gamers a chance to experience the raw, unadulterated fun of arcade-style racing once again.
Author’s Take
[Image: Chris Smith, a seasoned gaming journalist, takes a closer look at the revival of Ridge Racer 64]
Can we expect a new Ridge Racer game in the near future? Only time will tell, but for now, the release of Ridge Racer 64 on the Nintendo Switch is a promising sign that the series may be getting back on track.
