GoldenEye 007 Returns to Nintendo Switch: Rare’s Classic N64 Shooter Gets Modern Re-Release

GoldenEye 007, Rare’s legendary first-person shooter originally released for Nintendo 64 in 1997, is making a celebrated return to modern gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles.

This highly anticipated update revives one of the most influential titles in both the FPS genre and Nintendo’s history, promising seasoned fans and new players alike a fresh opportunity to experience the game’s iconic missions and multiplayer action. The announcement, delivered in a September 2022 Nintendo Direct, immediately sparked excitement across the industry.

GoldenEye 007 will launch on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service as an enhanced version of the original N64 release.

Xbox users will receive the title through Xbox Game Pass.

The Switch version boasts newly added online multiplayer—notably absent from the Xbox edition—enabling players to challenge friends remotely, a feature in high demand since the game’s original split-screen days. Despite the wave of enthusiasm, some fans expressed disappointment when it became clear this re-release would not be based on the previously cancelled Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) remaster, which boasted improved visuals and modernized controls.

Instead, Rare opted to update the original game with select enhancements while maintaining its classic appeal.

The decision led many in the gaming community to reflect on what could have been, especially after learning that Nightdive Studios, a developer known for its high-quality remasters like System Shock and PowerSlave Exhumed, was nearly selected to handle the conversion to modern hardware.

Nightdive’s CEO, Stephen Kick, acknowledged on Twitter that his company was “extremely close” to undertaking the project, sharing his excitement for GoldenEye 007’s resurgence while highlighting the near opportunity. Nightdive Studios has earned accolades for revitalizing retro classics, most recently with PowerSlave Exhumed, which received praise for its thoughtful enhancements that preserved the essence of the original.

However, the studio's reputation also reflects more mixed results, as seen with the critical reception to Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition for Nintendo Switch, which struggled with technical and narrative challenges according to industry reviews. With Rare steering this re-release, the classic GoldenEye 007 experience remains at the forefront, ensuring authenticity for nostalgia-driven players.

As of 2022, there’s no indication that Rare’s XBLA remaster will see official release, though determined fans with a modded Xbox 360 can reportedly seek out the elusive build. GoldenEye 007’s return on Nintendo Switch and Xbox marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its impact on the FPS genre and the legacy of the Nintendo 64 era.

For those eager to relive—or discover for the first time—James Bond’s digital escapade, the iconic shooter’s comeback is a testament to its enduring popularity in the gaming community.

Nintendo GoldenEye 007 Rare Xbox Switch N64 GoldenEye Nintendo Switch