Killer Instinct Gold Joins Nintendo Switch Online Library

Killer Instinct Gold is the newest addition to the Nintendo Switch Online library, bringing the classic Nintendo 64 game to subscribers of the Online Expansion Pack. This game is a port of the arcade fighter Killer Instinct 2, and it joins the original Killer Instinct in the ever-growing collection of retro titles.

Originally released in 1996, Killer Instinct Gold was crafted by the renowned British studio Rare, which was a key second-party developer for Nintendo at the time. Rare's portfolio from that era includes other iconic titles such as Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye 007, and Perfect Dark. In Killer Instinct Gold, players can choose from a roster of 10 formidable fighters and engage in various game modes, boasting "hundreds of thousands of moves and killer Combos at your fingertips."

Now owned by Microsoft, Rare and the Killer Instinct franchise have brought yet another Xbox Game Studios title to the Switch. Since the launch of the Xbox One title Killer Instinct in 2013, there has been no indication from Microsoft of plans to develop a new sequel.

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Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that enhances the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. It provides online multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to compete or collaborate with friends. The service also offers a rich catalog of classic Nintendo games from the past four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is available for those looking to test the waters.

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began at the end of April, with the console priced at $449.99. Demand was predictably high, leading Nintendo to issue a warning to U.S. customers who pre-ordered through the My Nintendo Store, stating that release date delivery is not guaranteed. However, Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, expressed confidence to IGN that the company would be able to meet consumer demand "through the holidays."