Nintendo's Switch Online + Expansion Pack welcomes two high-octane GBA racing titles: F-Zero Climax and F-Zero: GP Legend, launching October 11, 2024!
F-Zero's Return to the Track
These classic Game Boy Advance racers are joining the expanding library of retro titles. F-Zero: GP Legend, initially released in 2003 (Japan) and 2004 (West), makes its return alongside the previously Japan-exclusive F-Zero Climax (2004). This marks the first time Western audiences will experience F-Zero Climax. The addition of these titles is particularly significant given the long hiatus for the F-Zero franchise, with F-Zero 99 (a Switch MMO racer) being the only recent addition.
The F-Zero series, a pioneering futuristic racing franchise launched in 1990, boasts a legacy of pushing gaming hardware to its limits. Known for its breakneck speed and intense competition, F-Zero's influence on the racing genre is undeniable, inspiring titles like SEGA's Daytona USA. The series' signature blend of high-speed racing, challenging tracks, and competitive battling (using customizable "F-Zero machines") has captivated players for decades. Captain Falcon, the series' iconic protagonist, further solidified the franchise's presence in Nintendo's gaming universe through appearances in Super Smash Bros.
According to F-Zero designer Takaya Imamura, the overwhelming success of Nintendo's Mario Kart franchise contributed to the extended period of inactivity for the F-Zero series. However, F-Zero Climax and F-Zero: GP Legend's inclusion in the October 2024 update provides players with a chance to experience the thrilling races, diverse game modes (including Grand Prix, story, and time trials), and intense competition that defined the series.
Dive into the future of racing, and prepare for the October 11th launch! Learn more about Nintendo Switch Online via [link to your article].
