Categories: Gaming News

Forsaken 64 Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on September 4

Nintendo is dusting off another forgotten N64 gem, and this time it’s Forsaken 64. The cult-classic sci-fi shooter is officially heading to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s Mature-rated N64 app on September 4, 2025. If you’re a fan of retro first-person shooters like Quake or Descent, this one’s going to be a thrill ride.

I know a lot of you have been asking: What’s next for the Mature-rated library? Well, here’s your answer—Forsaken 64 joins the ranks of Perfect Dark, Shadow Man, and the Turok series, expanding Nintendo’s commitment to bringing back adult-focused retro titles that defined late-90s gaming.

What is Forsaken 64? A Forgotten Classic Returns

Released back in 1998 by Acclaim and developed by Iguana UK, Forsaken 64 wasn’t your average N64 shooter. Rather than running through levels on foot, Forsaken 64 strapped you onto high-speed anti-grav bikes, sending you twisting through maze-like tunnels in full 3D combat. Its free-floating controls echoed Descent, while the explosive firefights and weapon chaos carried the spirit of Quake.

If you never touched it before, imagine weaving through twisting corridors while dodging enemy fire, swapping between powerful weapons, and unleashing rockets in every direction. It’s a game that tested both your reflexes and your sense of direction. And now, thanks to the Switch Online Expansion Pack, you’ll get to rediscover this adrenaline rush—or experience it for the first time.

The Infamous Forsaken 64 Box Art

We can’t talk about Forsaken 64 without mentioning its bizarre U.S. box art. Instead of showcasing the game’s intense sci-fi action, the cover featured a mysterious woman’s face with a tear and a tattoo—completely unrelated to anything you’d see in the game. To this day, fans still joke about it as one of the most misleading covers of the 90s.

If you lived in Europe, though, you probably remember the PAL version’s art, which was much closer to the actual gameplay vibe. For players discovering it now on Switch, that quirky piece of history just adds to the game’s charm.

Why This Matters for Nintendo’s Mature N64 Library

The addition of Forsaken 64 isn’t just a random pick. Nintendo’s been slowly fleshing out its Mature-rated N64 collection, giving Expansion Pack subscribers a stronger lineup of shooters and darker adventures. Alongside Perfect Dark, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, and Shadow Man, Forsaken 64 brings another distinct flavor of late-90s FPS chaos.

For players like you and me who love digging into Nintendo’s retro catalog, this move signals that Nintendo isn’t just sticking with family-friendly classics—they’re willing to preserve the grittier, more experimental side of the N64 library too.

What About Japan? A Different Update

Here’s an interesting twist: while we’re getting Forsaken 64 in the West, Japan’s update looks totally different. Meanwhile, Japanese Switch Online subscribers will see the Game Boy Advance library expand with Magical Vacation, a 2001 RPG crafted by Brownie Brown—the same team that would go on to develop the cult classic Mother 3. That game never left Japan originally, so it makes sense Nintendo is keeping it exclusive to their region again.

For us, though, the Mature-rated N64 lineup continues to grow. It’s a smart split update—Nintendo is tailoring content to its regional player base instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

How to Play Forsaken 64 on Switch

If you’re ready to jump back into those futuristic tunnels, here’s what you need to know:

Accessing this title isn’t free—you’ll have to be subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier.
The game is available via the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics: Mature app.
Both single-player and multiplayer modes are supported, so you can choose between flying solo or battling it out with friends.
Each biker and bike has unique stats and personality quirks, which can really change how you approach missions.

And yes—Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will also support this Mature app, so if you’re planning to upgrade soon, your library will carry over.

Why Forsaken 64 Still Matters in 2025

Some might wonder: why bring back Forsaken 64 of all things? The answer lies in its place in history. It was one of the few N64 games that pushed into full 3D freedom of movement at a time when most shooters were still experimenting with controls. Its mix of fast-paced combat, exploration-heavy design, and chaotic multiplayer matches made it a standout—even if its box art confused a generation of kids at rental stores.

For modern players like us, this is more than just a retro curiosity. It’s a reminder of the experimental energy of late-90s gaming, when studios weren’t afraid to take risks with weird mechanics, unique settings, and niche appeal. Booting up Forsaken 64 now feels like stepping back into a time when developers weren’t afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of 3D action design.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an Expansion Pack subscriber, this update is worth checking out. Whether you’re revisiting the game for nostalgia or discovering it for the very first time, Forsaken 64 offers a slice of retro FPS action you won’t find anywhere else on Switch right now.

Personally, I’m excited to fire up the anti-grav pioncycle again and see how it feels with modern controls. And if Nintendo keeps adding bold choices like this, the Mature-rated N64 app could end up being one of the most surprising parts of the entire Switch Online service.

So, what do you think—will you be giving Forsaken 64 a shot when it goes live on September 4?

Neha Tiwari

Neha Tiwari is the Editor at Earthtechy, where she curates and oversees gaming news, in-depth guides, and feature stories that resonate with today’s players. With a strong eye for emerging trends and a deep understanding of what excites gamers, Neha ensures every piece reflects Earthtechy’s unique voice—sharp, timely, and player-first. When she’s not editing, she’s exploring indie gems or optimizing workflows to keep the newsroom agile and ahead of the curve.