Yes. If by “Console Archive” you mean Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics libraries, you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to play them. The standard membership covers the NES, Super NES and Game Boy collections; the additional libraries require Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Nintendo’s support pages use “Nintendo Classics,” not “Console Archive,” so check that this is the service you mean.
Which membership tier do you need?
Nintendo’s general rule is that classic games are available only to a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. The tier required depends on the library:
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| Nintendo Classics library | Required membership | System or availability note |
|---|---|---|
| NES, Super NES and Game Boy | Nintendo Switch Online | Available on Nintendo Switch family systems supported by the library. |
| Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, Game Boy Advance and Virtual Boy | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Check title and regional availability. |
| Nintendo GameCube | Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Available only on Nintendo Switch 2. |
Nintendo’s current American support information says Virtual Boy software is available only in the United States and Canada. The listed libraries and compatibility can change; consult Nintendo’s Nintendo Classics overview and FAQ and Nintendo Switch Online membership comparison for current details.
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Does another account’s membership work on the same console?
No. The Nintendo Account used to access the classic-game software needs its own active membership. A subscription on a different account on the same console does not meet that requirement, according to Nintendo Support.
#1 Best Overall
![Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y9KbnDQKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
Can you play the games offline?
Yes, but offline access is temporary: your account must still have an active membership, and Nintendo requires you to connect online to verify it at least once every seven days. If you cannot reconnect within that interval, you will need to go online before you can continue using the libraries.
What happens if your membership expires?
You lose access to the classic games while the membership is inactive. Nintendo says save data remains on the console and can be used again if you renew the membership.
Rank #2
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-OKs2tCCL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
Does local multiplayer change the membership requirement?
No. Some compatible games support local or online multiplayer when the original game did; multiplayer setups may require additional systems or accessories. Those requirements do not replace the active membership needed to access the library.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
![Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership 12 Month - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41npXXvyKLL._SL160_.jpg)
- Online Play – Battle it out or cooperate with players online in compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Invite friends to your in-game island or visit theirs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
- NES and Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online – Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions in compatible games.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere! Face off against Wario in Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins and thwart an intergalactic menace in Metroid II - Return of Samus as you revisit (or discover) these classics games.
- Save Data Cloud* – In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Smartphone app – Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games. In addition, the app gives players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2 access to special game-enhancing features.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Family Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4167UlUf-SL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
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