--- title: "Nintendo Switch Online Adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors and R.C. Pro-Am II" url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii/" description: "Nintendo Switch Online adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors and R.C. Pro-Am II - play these NES classics via standard subscription." author: "Patrick Dankers" published at: "2026-09-09 11:11:38" image: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii.jpeg" markdown url: "https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii.md" --- Nintendo Switch Online Adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors and R.C. Pro-Am II | Nintendo Switch 2 News | NintendoReporters [![Nintendo Switch Online Adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors and R.C. Pro-Am II](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii.jpeg "Nintendo Switch Online Adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors and R.C. Pro-Am II")](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/storage/files/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii.jpeg)**Summary:** Recently, Nintendo Switch Online expanded its NES library with three classic additions: Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II. All three titles are available to play on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 using a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription, meaning you don’t need the Expansion Pack to jump in. These games cover different corners of Nintendo’s past: a tough-as-nails action-platformer, a classic run-and-gun arcade port with co-op, and a Rare-made isometric racer full of upgrades and multiplayer mayhem. Whether you want to relive old memories, try a legendary franchise for the first time, or show a friend how brutal NES-era difficulty could be, these additions give fans immediate options. NintendoReporters will keep tracking updates and regional differences so you know exactly what to expect when you boot them up. --- ## [](#nintendo-classics-update-three-nes-games-added-to-nintendo-switch-online)Nintendo Classics Update: Three NES Games Added to Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo recently rolled out a new batch of NES titles to the Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch Online, and the lineup brings a neat mix of genres to the service. For many players the update will feel like a time capsule: Ninja Gaiden III delivers story-driven platforming and punishing boss fights, Ikari Warriors serves classic arcade-style run-and-gun co-op, and R.C. Pro-Am II offers a surprising amount of depth for an isometric racer. All three titles are now accessible on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Nintendo Switch 2 via a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription. If you love retro challenge or want to show a friend how games used to be unapologetically difficult, this update is ideal. It also highlights Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to curating the NES catalog for modern players while keeping regional variations in mind. ![video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GBEW8DtibIU/maxresdefault.jpg)Please enable JavaScriptplay-rounded-fill 01:46 [Link](https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en/news/nintendo-switch-2/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-rc-pro-am-ii/) ### [](#what-each-game-brings-ninja-gaiden-iii)What Each Game Brings: Ninja Gaiden III Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom closes out the NES-era Ninja Gaiden trilogy with high-stakes platforming, cinematic storytelling for its time, and unforgiving difficulty. You play as Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja framed in a conspiracy that drags him into battles against mutant foes and shadowy agents, and the game leans into fast movement, precise jumps, and pattern-based bosses. For players familiar with the series’ reputation, Ninja Gaiden III offers that same old-school thrill where mastering a single room can feel like an achievement. For new players, it’s a chance to experience a piece of gaming history and see how narrative set-pieces and dramatic cutscenes were stitched into cartridge-era design. The NES version can be brutal, but that makes the victories feel earned, and the port to Nintendo Classics lets you replay the moments without digging out retro hardware. ### [](#what-each-game-brings-ikari-warriors)What Each Game Brings: Ikari Warriors Ikari Warriors translates the arcade run-and-gun formula into an NES experience that rewards persistence and coordination. You pick one of two commandos and blast through enemy lines, scavenging ammo and power-ups while occasionally stealing a tank or helicopter to plow through tougher segments. The co-op element is where Ikari Warriorsteams really shine: bringing a friend turns chaotic enemy swarms into tactical opportunities, and the constant need to resupply forces you to adapt on the fly. The game’s pace, pixel-level visibility, and ammo-limited design all reflect arcade roots, which means fights can feel frantic and satisfying. For anyone chasing retro multiplayer sessions, Ikari Warriors is a compact, energetic way to relive that coin-op vibe at home or on the go via the Switch family. ### [](#what-each-game-brings-r-c-pro-am-ii)What Each Game Brings: R.C. Pro-Am II R.C. Pro-Am II represents Rare’s later NES work, turning the original RC racer into a fuller, more feature-rich experience. The game supports up to four players in its most social modes and offers 24 tracks spanning city streets to off-road courses. Between races you can spend winnings at the R.C. MODEL SHOP to upgrade your vehicle, buy parts, and tweak performance—introducing a light progression loop that keeps races meaningful. The title also includes bonus stages like drag races and tug-of-truck challenges, both of which can swing the championship balance with the right payoff. Even if you grew up on the original R.C. Pro-Am, this sequel’s track variety and upgrade mechanics make it worth checking out. It’s a surprising blend of arcade immediacy and strategic vehicle management that stands up well when played with friends, even decades on. #### [](#how-to-play-these-nes-games-on-switch-and-switch-2)How to Play These NES Games on Switch and Switch 2 Playing these NES classics is straightforward: install or open the Nintendo Classics app on your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, and the new titles will appear in the NES lineup when your subscription is active. No Expansion Pack is required for NES, so any standard Nintendo Switch Online subscriber can access them immediately. Controls, save states, and rewind features included in the Classics app make jumping in easier than using original cartridges and CRTs, and you can enjoy local co-op where supported. If you own both systems, you’ll find consistent behavior across them, though controller mapping and performance nuances may differ slightly between Switch and Switch 2. For help navigating the app or understanding save features, NintendoReporters recommends checking the official app page and the Switch system guides available on our site for tips and troubleshooting. #### [](#why-nintendoreporters-fans-should-care)Why NintendoReporters Fans Should Care If you’re a NintendoReporters reader, you already know how satisfying it is when Nintendo adds a title that complements existing franchises or fills a gap in the library. These three games do more than pad numbers: they serve different tastes—platforming story, arcade co-op action, and competitive racing—and each brings distinct replay value. Collectors will appreciate that the full Ninja Gaiden trilogy is now available across Nintendo’s platforms, retro co-op fans will flock back to Ikari Warriors, and local multiplayer groups can finally run R.C. Pro-Am II’s four-player races without digging up an old CRT. The additions also renew interest in exploring older hardware eras; if you want background on the NES itself, check out our Nintendo Entertainment System hub to reconnect with the platform’s legacy and other classic releases. ## [](#regional-variations-and-what-to-expect)Regional Variations and What to Expect One important detail to remember is that regional catalogs can differ. In some regions, Nintendo swaps certain titles for localization or licensing reasons, so what you see in the Japanese Nintendo Classics app might not match the Western listing exactly. For example, certain regions may receive a different game in place of R.C. Pro-Am II. That means you should check the Nintendo Classics update notes in your area if a title you want isn’t visible immediately. NintendoReporters keeps an eye on these regional changes and will note substitutions or differences as they appear. The service’s regional quirks are part of the reason dedicated coverage matters: it helps you understand whether a missing title is a licensing issue, a delay, or a permanent swap in your region’s lineup. ##### [](#tips-for-getting-the-most-from-these-nes-classics)Tips for Getting the Most from These NES Classics Want practical tips? First, try the save-state and rewind tools the Nintendo Classics app offers to learn tricky sections without losing patience. Second, use local multiplayer options where available to convert solo frustration into a laugh-filled co-op session. Third, experiment with controller layouts: some modern controllers make platforming or precise aiming easier than the original pads. Fourth, if you’re chasing leaderboards or speedruns, practice sections using the app’s rewind to perfect routes. Finally, if a game is missing in your region, consider creating a support ticket with Nintendo or checking regional news updates; regional swaps are common and sometimes temporary. These small steps make retro play smoother and more enjoyable, whether you’re a veteran or approaching these NES classics for the first time. ##### [](#conclusion)Conclusion Recently added NES classics like Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. Pro-Am II expand the Nintendo Classics selection with variety and nostalgia. Each title offers a different flavor of retro gaming, from punishing platforming and arcade co-op to upgrade-driven isometric racing. They’re accessible on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 via a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription, making them easy picks for anyone who wants to revisit the NES era. NintendoReporters will keep covering any follow-ups, regional swaps, or helpful play tips so you can get the most from these releases. ##### [](#faqs)FAQs - **Are these NES games available with a standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription?** - Yes. These NES titles are playable on both Switch and Switch 2 with the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership; the Expansion Pack is not required for NES games. - **Can I play these games on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2?** - Yes. The Nintendo Classics app is available on Switch and Switch 2, and these titles appear in the NES library on both systems for subscribers. - **Is there any difference between regional libraries for these games?** - Yes. Regional catalogs can differ; in some regions a different title may be offered instead of one of these games, so check your local Nintendo Classics update notes. - **Do these versions include modern conveniences like save states or rewind?** - Yes. The Nintendo Classics app provides features like save states and rewind to make NES-era difficulty more approachable on modern hardware. - **Where can I find more Nintendo Switch Online updates and guides?** - Follow NintendoReporters for regular updates and check related pages for system hubs and how-to guides that help you get the most from Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. ##### [](#sources)Sources - [NES – Nintendo Classics adds Ninja Gaiden III, R.C. PRO-AM II, and Ikari Warriors](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/09/nes-nintendo-classics-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-the-ancient-ship-of-doom-r-c-pro-am-ii-and-ikari-warriors), Gematsu, September 1, 2026 - [Nintendo Switch Online adds Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, R.C. Pro-Am 2](https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-switch-online-adds-ninja-gaiden-3-the-ancient-ship-of-doom-ikari-warriors-r-c-pro-am-2/), NintendoEverything, September 1, 2026 - [Nintendo Adds Ninja Gaiden III, Ikari Warriors And R.C. Pro-Am II To Switch Online Today](https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/09/nintendo-adds-ninja-gaiden-iii-ikari-warriors-and-r-c-pro-am-ii-to-switch-online-today), Time Extension, September 2, 2026 - [Nintendo adds three more NES games to Switch Online, bringing the total to 87 in the West](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-adds-three-more-nes-games-to-switch-online-bringing-the-total-to-87-in-the-west/), VGC, September 2, 2026 [](#) [ ](#) > Generated for use by AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). > Generated: 2026-09-09 11:51:21 > Maintained by: NintendoReporters > Source: https://www.nintendoreporters.com/ > Contact: webmaster@nintendoreporters.com