Nintendo Marks 35 Yrs of Game Boy with Super Mario Land on Switch Online

In an eventful throwback to the classic era of gaming, Nintendo Switch Online enhances its game library with iconic Game Boy titles Super Mario Land, Alleyway, and Baseball to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Game Boy. The celebrated handheld console, first launched in 1989, originally featured these titles, which members can now revisit or experience for the first time in May 2024.

Super Mario Land, the highlight of this update, is an adventure across Sarasaland to rescue Princess Daisy, showcasing unique powerups like the Superball and vehicles like an airplane and submarine for Mario. Baseball lets players pitch and swing in strategic matchups, and Alleyway—a block-breaking game—challenges players with its evolving levels and swift reflexes requirement. These classics join an existing roster of Game Boy favorites on the service, such as Tetris, Metroid 2: Return of Samus, and more. Access to the Nintendo Switch Online library is a perk of the membership, which also includes online play and discounts on digital games.

To access Game Boy titles on Nintendo Switch Online, you must have an active membership. Once you're a member, you can download the games from the Nintendo Switch Online section on your device and play them as part of the service's retro game offering.

Super Mario Land, originally released in 1989 alongside the Game Boy, was among the first Super Mario games to be introduced to a handheld platform. With its release, Mario's legacy expanded beyond the home console, giving players the chance to embark on platforming adventures wherever they went. The success of Super Mario Land led to several sequels, including Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, which introduced Wario, a character who became a mainstay in the Mario series and eventually starred in his own spin-off games.