Nintendo closed out the previous year of 2025 with a nostalgic gift for N64 enthusiasts. The latest update to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library has officially added two heavy-hitting 3D platformers from Ubisoft: the legendary Rayman 2: The Great Escape and the quirky, often-overlooked Tonic Trouble.
While many fans were holding their breath for Donkey Kong 64 or Smash 64, this “Ubisoft Duo” represents a fascinating era of the N64’s lifespan where third-party developers were pushing the boundaries of 3D exploration and charm.
The Crown Jewel: Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Widely considered one of the greatest 3D platformers of all time, Rayman 2 remains a masterclass in atmosphere and level design. On the N64, it was famous for its vibrant colors and smooth (for the time) gameplay.
The Story: Help Rayman liberate the Glade of Dreams from the mechanical Robo-Pirates.
Why it’s a must-play: Even in 2025, the game’s sense of wonder and its “helicopter hair” mechanics feel remarkably fluid. If you missed this in 1999, now is the perfect time to see why it gave Mario and Banjo a run for their money.
The Weird Cousin: Tonic Trouble
If Rayman 2 is the polished masterpiece, Tonic Trouble is its experimental, chaotic relative. Developed by many of the same team members at Ubisoft Montpellier, the game follows Ed, an alien who accidentally mutates Earth with a mysterious “tonic.”
The Vibe: It’s bizarre, colorful, and deeply “90s.” While it received more mixed reviews than Rayman due to some clunky camera work and collision issues, its inclusion on NSO is a huge win for preservation.
N64 History: For many, this was a “rental classic”—a game you played over a weekend but never owned. Now, it’s available at the touch of a button.
How to Play
Both titles are available now under the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app. As always, you will need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to access them.
Pro Tip for Everything64 Readers: These games were designed during an era of “collectathons.” If you’re playing on Switch, don’t forget to use the Suspending Point (Save State) feature—some of those late-game platforming sections in Rayman 2 are notoriously unforgiving!
