Nintendo Switch Online Adds 3 NES Classics Today: PAC-MAN, Mendel Palace, and The Tower of Druaga

A smaller update with a clear retro angle

Nintendo Switch Online has added three more NES classics today, giving subscribers a fresh retro update built around PAC-MAN, Mendel Palace, and The Tower of Druaga.

This is not the kind of subscription update that explodes because of one giant modern release. Instead, it plays to a different strength: recognizable arcade history, classic puzzle-action design, and older games that still carry search value because of nostalgia and curiosity.

The 3 Nintendo Switch Online NES games added today

PAC-MAN

PAC-MAN is the instantly recognizable headliner of the update. Even decades later, it remains one of the strongest retro names Nintendo Switch Online can add because it is easy to understand, easy to revisit, and still broadly known far beyond the retro niche.

Mendel Palace

Mendel Palace gives the update a more unusual pick. It is an action game built around flipping floor panels to defeat enemies and rescue Candy, and it stands out because it is less overexposed than many other retro additions. That gives it a stronger discovery angle for players who want something they have not already replayed everywhere else.

The Tower of Druaga

The Tower of Druaga is the most demanding and system-heavy addition in the group. With maze progression, hidden item requirements, and a more punishing structure, it brings a deeper old-school challenge than the update’s other two games.

Why this update matters

What makes this drop interesting is the mix.

PAC-MAN gives Nintendo Switch Online a famous retro anchor. Mendel Palace adds novelty. The Tower of Druaga adds depth and difficulty. Together, they make this feel more curated than random.

For subscription-focused readers, this also matters because small retro updates help define the long-term value of Nintendo Switch Online. These are not blockbuster releases, but they strengthen the service’s identity for players who care about older libraries and classic gaming history.

The real takeaway for subscribers

If you already have Nintendo Switch Online, this is an easy update to check out because there is almost no risk in claiming a few minutes with each game and seeing which one clicks.

If you prefer well-known arcade nostalgia, PAC-MAN is the obvious first stop.

If you want something more offbeat, Mendel Palace is probably the most interesting surprise.

If you want the toughest and most old-school experience of the three, The Tower of Druaga is the one to watch.

Availability and access

Nintendo says these games are available through the NES – Nintendo Classics lineup for Nintendo Switch Online members. Nintendo also notes that a Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account are required for online features, and that availability is not the same in every country.

Related paths

• PS Plus vs Xbox Game Pass April 2026
• Best gaming subscriptions right now
• Nintendo Switch Online guide
• Retro games on Nintendo Switch Online

Final takeaway

Nintendo Switch Online adding PAC-MAN, Mendel Palace, and The Tower of Druaga is not the biggest gaming headline of the day, but it is a solid subscription update with real retro value. For Nintendo fans, retro players, and anyone tracking subscription libraries in April 2026, this is exactly the kind of smaller addition that still deserves attention.