Nintendo just announced two more N64 classics joining the Nintendo Switch Online library on December 17, 2025. Rayman 2: The Great Escape, widely regarded as one of the finest 3D platformers of the N64 era, teams up with the lesser-known Tonic Trouble in the latest Nintendo Classics update. Both Ubisoft titles require the Expansion Pack tier to play, bringing the total N64 game count to 42 in North America.
Rayman Returns in Glory
Rayman 2: The Great Escape originally launched in October 1999 for N64, delivering 12 massive 3D worlds packed with action-adventure gameplay and mind-bending puzzles. Players control Rayman through tropical ski slopes, perilous cliffs, lava canyons, and pyramid mazes while using his speed, agility, and magical powers to defeat the pirate terror enslaving the world. The game lets you jump, climb, fly, crawl, and even pogo across beautifully crafted environments.
Critics consider Rayman 2 one of the best platformers on Nintendo 64, competing directly with Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64. The addition was actually leaked months ago through blurry cover art analysis from a Nintendo video, alongside predictions for Donkey Kong 64 and Super Smash Bros. N64, which haven’t materialized yet. This confirms at least some of those leaks were accurate.
Tonic Trouble: The Deep Cut
Joining Rayman is Tonic Trouble, another Michel Ancel creation from Ubisoft’s golden N64 era. This quirky platformer follows Ed, a janitor who spills toxic substance on Earth, triggering chaos. Players befriend characters like Doc, Suzie, and the mysterious Agent Xyz while surviving strange action-adventure challenges across colorful worlds.
| Game | Developer | Original Release |
|---|---|---|
| Rayman 2: The Great Escape | Ubisoft | October 1999 (Europe), November 1999 (NA) |
| Tonic Trouble | Ubisoft | December 1999 |
While less celebrated than Rayman 2, Tonic Trouble represents an interesting slice of late-90s platformer experimentation. Both games showcase Ubisoft’s N64 mastery during the console’s twilight years.
Complete N64 Library Status
After the December 17 update, Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack members will have access to 42 N64 titles total across two apps. The main Nintendo 64 app hosts family-friendly classics, while the separate Nintendo 64 Mature 17+ app contains M-rated titles like GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and Turok games.
- Main N64 App: 37 games including Super Mario 64, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Banjo-Kazooie, F-Zero X
- Mature 17+ App: 5 games – GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, Forsaken 64, Turok, Turok 2
- Notable Missing: Donkey Kong 64, Super Smash Bros. N64, Glover (all leaked but unreleased)
- 2025 Additions: Ridge Racer 64 (January), Killer Instinct Gold (May), Forsaken 64 (September), Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble (December)
The service launched with nine games in October 2021 and has grown at roughly one game per month, though the pace remains irregular. GameCube games joined via Switch 2 in June 2025, while NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Genesis libraries continue expanding separately.
What This Means for Leaks
Internet sleuths analyzed blurry Nintendo video footage in July 2025, predicting five unannounced N64 games: Rayman 2, Forsaken 64, Glover, Donkey Kong 64, and Super Smash Bros. N64. Two of those predictions (Rayman 2 and Forsaken 64) have now come true, giving credibility to the remaining three. Donkey Kong 64 and Smash Bros. stand as glaring omissions from the service, with fans expecting announcements soon.
The leak detection method involved enhancing pixelated cover art thumbnails shown during feature demonstrations. While not official confirmation, the track record suggests Nintendo may be holding back major first-party titles for strategic release windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble release?
December 17, 2025 exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.
Do I need Expansion Pack to play?
Yes – N64, GameCube, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games require the premium Expansion Pack tier, not basic NSO.
How much is Expansion Pack?
$49.99 annually for individual, $79.99 for family plan (up to 8 accounts). Basic NSO is $19.99/year.
How many N64 games total after this?
42 games – 37 in main app, 5 in Mature 17+ app (separate download required for M-rated titles).
Will Donkey Kong 64 and Smash Bros. N64 come?
Likely but unconfirmed – both leaked via blurry cover art analysis, with two predictions already proven correct.
Can Switch and Switch 2 both play?
Yes – N64 games work on original Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and Switch 2 via NSO.
Any other platforms getting Rayman 2?
This is N64 version only – PC, PS1, Dreamcast versions exist but aren’t on NSO.
Classic Platforming Perfection
Rayman 2: The Great Escape remains a 3D platformer masterclass, and its Nintendo Switch Online debut gives new generations access without hunting down cartridges. Tonic Trouble adds quirky charm for completionists. December 17 marks another solid month for Expansion Pack value, even as fans wait impatiently for Donkey Kong 64 and Smash Bros. N64.
The drip-feed strategy keeps subscribers engaged while Nintendo stretches its classic catalog. With 42 N64 games now available and major leaks partially confirmed, the library steadily approaches respectability. Just maybe speed up those Rare releases, Nintendo.