New NES Classics
Nintendo Adds Three Classic NES Games to Its Switch Online Library
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Key Points
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Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom was directed by Masato Kato, who would later work at Square Enix, and the NES edition is noted for its Lovecraft-inspired twist while preserving the series’ notoriously tough side-scrolling action.
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Ikari Warriors on NES preserves arcade flavor and is regarded as one of the best ports of the 1986 arcade game, with the original rotary joystick concept referenced as part of its historical appeal.
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R.C. Pro-Am II expands the kart-racer formula with 24 tracks, support for two players, a new upgrade system, and two bonus events—Tug O’ Truck Challenge and The Drag Race—that add extra championship depth.
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Ninja Gaiden III is presented as the final entry in the Ninja Gaiden saga for the NES, starring Ryu Hayabusa as he investigates Irene Lu’s death and featuring acrobatic movement like pipe and wall traversal.
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In Japan, Dragon Buster is included in the NES Classics lineup in place of RC Pro-Am II, highlighting a regional variation in the titles offered this update.
Nintendo has expanded its Switch Online NES Classics library with three new titles: Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II. The September 2026 update continues the subscription service's steady rollout of classic games, adding a mix of action, arcade shooters, and competitive racing to the growing collection player.one.
Ninja Gaiden III Brings Lovecraftian Horror to NES
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom marks the final NES entry in the ninja saga. Players control Ryu Hayabusa as he investigates the death of Irene Lu in a tale infused with Lovecraftian themes. The game preserves the series' notoriously brutal side-scrolling action and acrobatic movement, including pipe and wall traversal mechanics that defined the franchise player.one.
Ikari Warriors Brings Arcade Shooter Action to Home Consoles
Ikari Warriors on NES captures the arcade shooter's spirit with limited ammunition and period-appropriate features like tanks and helicopters. The 1986 arcade original used a rotary joystick, a design choice referenced in the NES port's historical appeal. It remains regarded as one of the best home conversions of the arcade game player.one.
R.C. Pro-Am II Expands Racing with New Tracks and Events
Rare's isometric racer R.C. Pro-Am II returns with 24 tracks and two-player multiplayer support. The sequel expands the kart-racer formula with a new upgrade system and two bonus events: Tug O' Truck Challenge and The Drag Race. These additions deepen the championship experience and keep the competitive fun of the original alive player.one.
Regional Variations Highlight Different Library Strategies
Nintendo continues to tailor its NES Classics lineup by region. In Japan, Dragon Buster replaces R.C. Pro-Am II in the September update, showing how the subscription service balances Western and Japanese publisher catalogs. This regional approach reflects Nintendo's effort to serve different gaming preferences across markets player.one.
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