The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →NES Tetris is already available in the Nintendo Switch Online library. Nintendo added the North American NES version on December 12, 2024, alongside Tetris DX for Game Boy. To play either classic, you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
When did NES Tetris arrive on Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo announced the addition on December 11, 2024, and made the game available the following day. It is the North American NES release from 1989, included in the NES – Nintendo Switch Online library. Nintendo’s announcement describes the release and its modes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tetris 99 + NSO (Nintendo Switch) | $39.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Puyo Puyo Tetris - Nintendo Switch | $18.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - Nintendo Switch 2 | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NAMCO MUSEUM ARCADE PAC (Nintendo Switch) | $31.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Tetris Effect: Connected Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Au69USGvL._SL160_.jpg)
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Tetris Effect: Connected Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What’s included in the NES version?
The game uses the seven familiar Tetrimino shapes and offers two modes:
- A-TYPE: Keep clearing lines and building your score; the game ends when the pieces reach the top.
- B-TYPE: Aim for a high score in a challenge limited to 25 lines.
This is the original NES edition, not a modernized port with additional modes.
#1 Best Overall
- 99 players only one will remain. Tetris 99 is the iconic puzzle game as you've never seen it before. Can you pick the right strategy to best 98 other players online - all at the same time
- This physical version includes all content from the big block DLC featuring additional modes
- CPU battle: Battle against 98 Bots. Defeat the machines
- Marathon: go for the most lines and the highest score. Additional offline local multiplayer modes will also arrive later this year
- Local Arena: get up to eight friends together for a local battle.2P share battle: share Joy-Con controllers for a two-player game!.Contains a 12 month individual membership for Nintendo Switch online, to enhance your gaming experience
How to access and play it
NES Tetris is subscription library content, not a separate purchase. Nintendo Support says an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to access its classic game libraries. You can play offline for up to seven consecutive days; after that, the system needs to connect to the internet to verify the membership. See Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics FAQ for membership and access details.
What else arrived in the same update?
Nintendo also added Tetris DX to the Game Boy library. It is the Game Boy Color release from 1998, rather than another version of the NES game.
Rank #2
- Ferocious Competition - At the heart of Puyo Puyo Tetris is the fighting spirit of players competing against each other to be most clever, cunning, and quick-witted one to set up devastating attacks on opponents. It's the classic easy-to-learn puzzles mashed up into a multiplayer battle like no other!
- Adventure Mode - The game also has a single player mode with ten unique acts, eatch with ten stages. They feature different characters from the Puyo Puyo or Tetris universes and have unique challenges to learn and master game mechanics that players must overcome!
- Arcade Modes - Online play has Puzzle League, which tracks players' ratings, players can save replays to upload and share, and more.
- There's also an in-game shop players can use their points to unlock different Puyo and Tetrimino skins, background music, stages, and more.
| Game | Original version | Modes listed by Nintendo |
|---|---|---|
| NES Tetris | North American NES release, 1989 | A-TYPE, B-TYPE |
| Tetris DX | Game Boy Color release, 1998 | Marathon, Ultra, 40LINES, VS. COM |
The two games differ in their original platforms and mode lineups; Nintendo’s announcement covers both additions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will more classic games arrive on a monthly schedule?
No schedule is promised. Nintendo Support says there is no set schedule for adding more games to the classic libraries, so the December 2024 release does not establish a monthly cadence.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership may be required for online play. Please check the game detail page on Nintendo.com for membership requirements.
- Tetris & 1985~2021 Tetris Holding. Tetris logos, Tetris theme song and Tetriminos are trademarks of Tetris Holding. The Tetris trade dress is owned by Tetris Holding. Licensed to The Tetris Company. Tetris Game Design by Alexey Pajitnov
- Tetris Effect produced and published by Enhance Experience Inc. Developed by Resonair, Monstars Inc. and Stage Games. All Rights Reserved.
Rank #4
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- Enjoy the nostalgic classics in "Namco Museum" and the flashy maze madness of "Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus" with friends or solo, at home or on the go for exciting arcade fun wherever you are - exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
- Enjoy Namco classics such as:
- Pac-Man
- Galaga
Rank #3
- THE ULTIMATE PUZZLE MATCH! Enter a newly enhanced dimension of puzzle challenge when the world-renowned Tetris and Japan's beloved Puyo Puyo series blend their legendary gameplay together!
- Traditional and crossover gameplay
- Brand new Puyo Tetris Doubles Mode
- Experience a multi-dimensional story
- Competitive and casual online play
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
