Killer Instinct Gold Joins Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Lineup

Nintendo continues to bolster its Nintendo Switch Online library with yet another classic from the Nintendo 64 era, as Killer Instinct Gold is now available for subscribers of the Expansion Pack tier.

This move furthers Nintendo's ongoing commitment to preserving retro gaming experiences for new and long-time fans on the Nintendo Switch platform. Originally developed by legendary studio Rare, Killer Instinct Gold was first released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64.

This fighting game stands out as an enhanced home version of Killer Instinct 2, a title that made waves in arcades during the mid-1990s.

Rare’s expertise in the fighting genre is on full display in Killer Instinct Gold, which helped cement both the game's and the developer's status in video game history. Killer Instinct Gold invites players to the notorious tournament scene, featuring a roster of ten unique fighters, each with their own distinctive combos and fighting styles.

Seasoned fans and newcomers can dive into multiple modes including the tried-and-true Arcade mode, the head-to-head Team mode, and the round-robin Tournament mode that supports up to eight players.

For those looking to hone their skills, a comprehensive Training mode is also available, allowing users to master the complex systems and landmark Combo Breakers the series is known for. According to Nintendo, Killer Instinct Gold brings "hundreds of thousands of moves and killer combos" to the Switch platform, ensuring that competitive and casual players alike have plenty of depth to explore.

A signature feature of the series is the ultra-lengthy, multi-hit Ultra Combos—some of which can reach an eye-watering 70 hits—making matches as visually spectacular as they are mechanically demanding. To access Killer Instinct Gold on Nintendo Switch, users will need an active subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.

This premium tier not only unlocks classic Nintendo 64 titles but also offers access to Sega Genesis titles, select DLC, and more—all available through the Nintendo eShop. With its addition to the Nintendo Switch Online roster, Killer Instinct Gold joins other iconic N64 hits, further enriching the retro games library available to dedicated fans and introducing a new generation to Rare’s fighting game legacy.

For regular updates on classic game releases, players can monitor the Nintendo Switch Online service and the official Nintendo channels. Killer Instinct Gold is available now for play via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

For more details on new additions to the service, keep an eye on official announcements and the Nintendo eShop.

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