GoldenEye 007 on Nintendo Switch is finally happening

Microsoft and Nintendo are bringing GoldenEye 007 back for Xbox and the Switch on Jan. 27, 2023. If you’re hoping to play GoldenEye 007 multiplayer, though, you might be a bit disappointed (thanks, The Verge). 

Nintendo is putting the original Nintendo 64 game on its Switch Online subscription service’s expansion pass, complete with online multiplayer modes. Like the other N64 games Nintendo offers, GoldenEye 007 will be an emulated version of Rare’s initial release, although it comes with online multiplayer modes as well.

Microsoft is releasing an updated version of the game, similar to enhanced editions of other classic Xbox games. GoldenEye 007 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S will feature updated control options, achievements, and support for 4K Ultra HD – but no online multiplayer. The classic shooter will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, and if you own Rare Replay, you can download it for free.

This marks the first time the classic is available to play in decades. Rare first released GoldenEye 007 in 1997, and like Banjo-Kazooie, the game existed in a sort of void after Microsoft bought the studio. GoldenEye 007 never showed up on Nintendo’s virtual consoles for the Wii or Wii U, nor did Microsoft release it on Xbox 360. 

Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF