Summary:
Nintendo has refreshed the Super Nintendo lineup for Nintendo Switch Online with three familiar names and one historic debut: Mario & Wario, BUBSY in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, and Fatal Fury Special. The update arrives on October 9, 2025 and is live for both Switch and Switch 2 subscribers. The standout twist is control-related—Mario & Wario includes support for mouse-style input on Switch 2, echoing the old SNES Mouse era with a modern spin. For many in the West, this marks the first time Mario & Wario is officially available outside Japan, turning a once region-locked curiosity into something everyone can try. Alongside the drop, Nintendo has shared fresh trailers to set the mood and showcase how these classics hold up today. Below, we walk through what each game brings to the service, who will get the most out of them, how the new mouse option changes the feel of Mario & Wario, and why this trio matters for the evolving SNES library on Switch Online.
What’s new in Nintendo Switch Online’s SNES lineup today
Nintendo has added three games to the Super Nintendo section of the Switch Online classic library: Mario & Wario, BUBSY in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, and Fatal Fury Special. That’s a tidy mix—one puzzle-focused oddity with Nintendo star power, one 16-bit mascot platformer that wears its ‘90s personality on its sleeve, and one heavyweight 2D fighter with a beefy roster. If you keep an active Switch Online membership, the trio appears in the SNES app and can be downloaded at no extra charge. The headliner is obvious: Mario & Wario finally steps beyond Japan. That alone reshapes the SNES story for a lot of fans who previously only knew it through imports and videos. The other two bring nostalgia and variety—Bubsy for its energetic stages and one-liners, and Fatal Fury Special for versus play that still hits hard in short sessions or late-night showdowns with friends. New trailers released alongside the update help set expectations and show how each game looks through today’s cleaner capture.
Why this drop matters: availability, variety, and a control twist
The SNES catalog inside Switch Online lives or dies on curation. This drop checks three boxes that keep the library feeling fresh: a newly available import, a mainstream platformer with name recognition, and a competitive fighter with staying power. The fresh control angle is the wildcard—mouse-style input on Switch 2 for Mario & Wario nudges the service toward playful preservation, not just emulation. It’s not just about running an old ROM; it’s about restoring the way it feels to play. That can turn a novelty into an afternoon-long rabbit hole. Variety matters, too. If platformers aren’t your thing this week, the fighter has legs. If head-to-head bouts aren’t in the cards, the puzzle flavor of Mario & Wario is ideal for short bursts between other games. The point is simple: these updates land best when they give different types of players a reason to check back in, and today’s trio does exactly that.
Mario & Wario finally arrives officially in the West
Mario & Wario started life in 1993 as a Japan-only SNES puzzler developed by Game Freak. Think of it as a mix of timing and path-planning: the character on-screen walks automatically while you, as a helpful “hand,” manipulate the environment to guide them safely to a goal. It’s deceptively simple, then promptly ramps into clever stage designs where one missed beat can snowball into slapstick chaos. For years, the game sat just out of reach for many fans, known more as trivia—“that Mario game by Game Freak”—than as something you could actually play. Now it’s here, in the SNES Classics app, available to everyone with a subscription. That shift isn’t small; whenever a long-unavailable title enters a legal, convenient library, it invites a new wave of conversation and appreciation. Expect social feeds to fill with clips of near-misses, lucky saves, and the classic “I had it, I swear” moments that puzzle-action games thrive on.
How mouse-style control on Switch 2 changes the feel
The original Mario & Wario supported the Super NES Mouse, and the Switch 2 nods to that history by enabling mouse-style input for the game. That’s more than a neat bullet point—it alters the rhythm. With a mouse-like pointer, you can snap between platform toggles and hazards quicker than with a traditional stick, and those tiny time-saves add up in later stages. The difference is similar to drawing with a trackpad versus a real mouse: both work, but precision favors the latter. On Switch 2, the Joy-Con 2 hardware emulates that mouse motion so you can “scoot” across a surface and get that cursor-like feel. If you’re chasing perfect routes or shaving seconds in time attack, it’s the way to go. Prefer the couch and a laid-back session? Standard controls still handle fine, and the game remains approachable without any specialty setup.
Tips to get started without frustration
First, accept the rhythm: your character walks, you react. Treat it like a conductor’s role rather than direct control—set the stage, watch the beat, and make small corrections. Second, practice a light touch on switches; over-input often creates more trouble than a late input. Third, replay early levels to find safer lines—you’ll discover little detours that turn tricky jumps into autopilot. Finally, if you’re on Switch 2 and curious about mouse-style input, try it for a few stages to calibrate your hand feel. It clicks faster than you think, and once it does, you’ll start seeing routes as a sequence of tiny cursor hops rather than a scramble of stick flicks.
BUBSY in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind brings peak ‘90s energy
Love him or roll your eyes—Bubsy is a time capsule for the rise of mascot platformers. Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind launched in 1993 with big, colorful levels, generous speed, and a hero who quips as much as he jumps. On Switch Online, Bubsy’s strengths still show: brisk level flow, clear collectibles, and chunky enemy silhouettes that read well on a handheld. The flip side also remains: momentum can betray you, so reckless running turns into comedic wipeouts. That’s part of the charm if you meet it halfway. Taken as a quick-hit platformer, Bubsy works—pop in for a few stages, push a score or collectathon goal, and bail before fatigue sets in. It’s an ideal coffee-break game that’s more fun when you lean into the campy one-liners and treat each level like an obstacle course built for highlight reels.
Who will enjoy Bubsy the most right now
If you’re sampling the SNES library in short daily bursts, Bubsy’s fast stages and snappy restarts make sense. If you grew up in the 16-bit era, there’s a strong nostalgia pull—everything from the color palette to the “cat-itude” sells a specific moment in gaming. And if you’re introducing younger players to old-school platforming, Bubsy’s readable hazards and big animations help teach timing without piles of text. Just set expectations: the physics aren’t modern, so momentum management is part of the learning curve. Once that clicks, the game becomes more rhythm than rage, and chasing clean runs is surprisingly satisfying.
Quick advice for smoother runs
Scan ahead—Bubsy’s speed punishes tunnel vision. Feather jumps to bleed momentum when needed, and commit to routes rather than second-guessing mid-air. If you’re going for collectibles, clear a level once for layout knowledge, then re-enter with a plan. Treat fall damage as the real villain and you’ll start prioritizing safer landing angles over flashy leaps. It’s less about perfection and more about keeping a run alive long enough to stack small wins.
Fatal Fury Special still slaps in short sets and long nights
SNK’s Fatal Fury Special is a polished remix of Fatal Fury 2 that cemented many series staples. On SNES, it brought a stacked roster and multi-plane brawling to living rooms that didn’t have an arcade nearby. Dropping into Switch Online, it’s the best kind of fighting game for a library like this: easy to sample, hard to quit. Characters read quickly; inputs feel friendly by today’s standards; and the satisfaction curve is steep when you find “your” fighter. For couch competition, it’s painless to set up a few rounds, trade wins, and slip into the age-old debate of who is top tier. For solo players, Arcade and versus CPU are still great for learning fundamentals like spacing and anti-airs, and if you’re new to classic SNK timing, that first clean combo is a fist-pump moment.
Roster highlights and why they matter
The cast is strong and varied, including the returning eight from Fatal Fury 2, newcomers like Billy Kane, Axel Hawk, and Laurence Blood, and big-bad Wolfgang Krauser anchoring the boss slot. Classics like Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui attract attention for good reason—they teach spacing and pressure in digestible ways. Billy’s staff gives you range games without complex execution, while Krauser and Geese feel like endgame goals if you decide to dive deep. Even quick set play reveals how the roster supports different tastes: grappler throws, zoning tools, rushdown pressure, and poke-heavy midrange are all on the table. That variety is exactly why the game remains sticky for local competition.
Starter tips for better matches
Pick one character and learn three things: a reliable anti-air, a safe poke, and a bread-and-butter punish. Spend a few minutes in a friendly set using only those, and you’ll notice the game slow down in your favor. Watch for the plane-switch moments—hop between lanes to escape corner pressure or create a whiff. And don’t mash reversals; this era rewards patience more than panic. As comfort grows, layer in one special at a time so your hands keep up with your eyes. Before long, you’ll feel the classic SNK rhythm: restraint, sudden explosion, reset.
How mouse-style input works on Switch 2 for SNES titles
Switch 2 introduces a mouse-style control mode through Joy-Con 2 that translates physical movement into a cursor-like input, and select SNES games in the Switch Online app can tap into it. For Mario & Wario, that means snappier platform toggles and faster reactions. The aim is faithful feel rather than novelty—it’s Nintendo acknowledging that certain SNES titles were designed around a pointer and play best that way. If you’ve used a USB mouse with compatible classics on the original Switch, you already understand the benefit; the Switch 2 approach simply cuts out the cable and leans into the handheld’s “pick up and play anywhere” ethos. For players who love shaving seconds, the precision boost can turn tough stages from chaos into choreography.
Setup pointers to get the most out of it
Clear a flat surface if you want the most accurate movement, and consider sensitivity tweaks until the cursor lands where your hand expects. Start with early stages to calibrate muscle memory, then step into tougher layouts once the flicks feel natural. If you switch back to standard controls, give your brain a minute—going from pointer to stick can feel like swapping driving seats. The good news: both options are viable, and nothing locks you into one style. Use what makes you smile, because that’s the heart of this update—making old games feel right in your hands.
Trailers to watch before you jump in
Alongside the rollout, Nintendo has shared new trailers highlighting each title’s vibe. These clips are short but effective: Mario & Wario spotlights playful stage interactions, Bubsy’s sizzle reel leans on speedy platforming and flamboyant enemies, and Fatal Fury Special flashes its roster and signature specials to remind you why the series earned its fanbase. If you’re on the fence, watching sixty seconds of gameplay can be the nudge you need to pick your evening’s pick-up-and-play. Trailers also give newcomers a quick read on tone—Bubsy’s humor, Mario’s puzzle whimsy, and SNK’s punchy choreography each sell a different flavor of retro fun.
Who should play what: quick recommendations
Try Mario & Wario if you love puzzle-action or want something that rewards planning and dexterity in equal measure. Pick Bubsy if platforming sprints and collectathon routes scratch your itch. Launch Fatal Fury Special when friends are around or when you’re in the mood for ten-minute gaming bursts that still feel competitive. If you only have time for one tonight, make it Mario & Wario; the West’s first official release is a little slice of history, and the mouse-style control on Switch 2 turns that history lesson into a tactile “oh wow” moment.
Value for subscribers looking beyond nostalgia
The best Switch Online updates deliver reasons to return even after the novelty fades. This trio checks that box—there’s replayable puzzle routing, fast platformer loops, and evergreen versus play. Together, they create an easy rotation for different moods across the week. They also broaden the SNES library’s identity from “the usual suspects” to a set that respects oddities and imports. That balance—crowd-pleasers plus curios—is what keeps the library interesting a decade from now.
How this update fits Nintendo’s broader classic strategy
In recent months, Nintendo has signaled a stronger focus on bringing back classics with the “right” feel: authentic control schemes, clean presentation, and small quality-of-life tweaks that honor the originals. Mouse-style support on Switch 2 is a good example of that philosophy in action—it’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful to how certain SNES titles play. Adding Mario & Wario now also shows a willingness to surface region-locked gems rather than only recycling the most famous names. That sets healthy expectations: more imports can follow, and with them, new mechanics and genres for younger players to discover. When a subscription library evolves like this, it stops being a museum and starts acting like a living shelf you actually use.
The social ripple effect you can expect this week
Every time Switch Online drops a left-field choice, social timelines fill with clips and “remember when” anecdotes. Expect speedrun attempts in Mario & Wario within days, Bubsy hot takes (they’re inevitable and often hilarious), and combo showcases in Fatal Fury Special. That chatter matters because it keeps the library visible, which in turn encourages Nintendo to keep mixing safer picks with oddballs. If you’ve got friends on the fence about subscribing, this is the kind of week where a quick share or a couch session can tip them over—especially if you demo the mouse-style control and let them feel that instant precision.
What we’re hoping to see next
With a pointer-capable setup now established, more SNES Mouse-era titles feel within reach. Imagine a rotating set that explores creative apps and quirky experiments from the early ‘90s alongside marquee games. On the fighter side, sprinkling in more SNK and Capcom titles would keep versus nights fresh. For platformers, mixing cult favorites with well-known names ensures variety for speedrunners and casuals alike. If the pattern holds—imports, variety, and thoughtful control support—the months ahead look bright for anyone who treats the SNES app as a daily pit stop.
Conclusion
The latest Switch Online refresh lands with a clean three-hit combo: a historic debut in Mario & Wario, a punchy platformer in Bubsy, and a dependable brawler in Fatal Fury Special. The mouse-style input on Switch 2 isn’t just a novelty—it restores the intended feel for a game built around precision, and that alone makes this drop worth a look. Whether you’re chasing puzzle routes, sprinting for collectibles, or trading rounds with friends, there’s something here that fits into a busy week. Fire up the SNES app, watch the trailers, and let muscle memory meet a few new tricks.
FAQs
- Is Mario & Wario really new to the West?
- Yes—this marks the first official release outside Japan, making it widely available through Switch Online’s SNES app for the first time.
- Do I need Switch 2 to use mouse-style controls?
- For the built-in mouse-style option referenced here, yes—it leverages Joy-Con 2 on Switch 2. Standard controls work on both systems, and some classics accept USB mice on the original Switch where supported.
- Are the new games included in my subscription?
- If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, the SNES app lists the games at no extra cost. Just download and play.
- Can I play locally with friends in Fatal Fury Special?
- Absolutely. It’s a great pick for local versus. Set a quick rule—first to three, loser passes the controller—and you’ve got an instant tournament.
- Are there trailers to watch before downloading?
- Yes, Nintendo has shared fresh trailers for this batch. They provide a quick look at gameplay and tone, handy if you’re choosing what to try first.
Sources
- New update for Nintendo Switch Online members!, Nintendo, October 9, 2025
- Switch Online’s SNES library gets three more games, including a Mario game’s first ever release outside of Japan, Video Games Chronicle, October 9, 2025
- SNES – Nintendo Switch Online adds Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, Fatal Fury Special, and Mario & Wario, Gematsu, October 8, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Online has just received Mario & Wario, Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, Fatal Fury Special, Nintendo Everything, October 8, 2025
- Nintendo Expands Switch Online’s SNES Library With Three More Titles, Nintendo Life, October 9, 2025
- 1993’s Mario & Wario Finally Comes West As Nintendo Switch Online Adds Three SNES Games, Game Informer, October 9, 2025
