Nirvanna the Band's Update Day: a look back at a new version for Nintendo Switch

Nirvanna the Band, known for their creative approach to media, has recently released a musical tribute to Nintendo's Virtual Console. This revised version of their popular song 'Update Day', which originally celebrated the lineup of Virtual Console highlights, has now been adapted to focus on the games available through the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Background on Nirvanna the Band

Nirvanna the Band, made up of Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, first made a name for themselves with humorous video shorts before making the jump to a TV show and a successful film. Their earlier work was packed with retro game references, often leaning into nostalgia and humor. Over the years, their fanbase has only grown, especially thanks to the popular song 'Update Day', a tribute to the many games available through the Virtual Console.

The new version of Update Day

On May 9, 2026, a fan released an edited version of 'Update Day' that now only names games available on the Nintendo Switch Online platform. This edit leaves out titles that are not available on current consoles. In this new version, a number of recognizable fan favorites stand out, including F-Zero, ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, and Donkey Kong Jr. Math. That makes the song shorter, but it also highlights just how many beloved titles still echo through the lyrics.

Nintendo Switch Online and the impact on retro gaming

The Nintendo Switch Online service aims to offer subscribers a selection of retro titles, but players have often questioned the value of the service. While NSO does include some interesting games from the NES through GameCube eras, the library is often seen as limited compared with the original Virtual Console. With Virtual Console, players could buy individual titles, while Switch Online offers them as part of a subscription model, similar to Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.

The song not only references the titles that are available, but also reflects on what is missing. Games like Ninja Gaiden and Adventures of Lolo, for example, are not on the NSO service, and the absence of certain classic favorites makes the contrast even clearer for fans. Despite the ability to expand the experience through different subscriptions and offers, the objective shortcomings in the selection of available titles remain a point of debate in the gaming community.

Conclusion

The return of Nirvanna the Band’s Update Day in a refreshed version focused on Nintendo Switch Online titles gives fans not only a nostalgic reminder, but also opens up the discussion around the availability and accessibility of retro games in today’s gaming market. This dynamic shows that while technology and platforms change, the love for classic games and the culture around them remains. The confusion around the available titles may inspire fans to keep looking for ways to play their favorite games, whether through existing platforms or future releases.