Two Classic N64 Platformers Join Nintendo Switch Online on December 17: Rayman 2 & Tonic Trouble
Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble are coming to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack on December 17, 2025. Here’s what you need to know about these classic N64 platformers.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are getting an early Christmas present this month: two classic N64 platformers are joining the service on December 17, 2025. Both games come from Ubisoft and represent some of the best 3D platforming the Nintendo 64 had to offer.
If you’re an Expansion Pack subscriber, mark your calendar—Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble are about to give you a serious nostalgia hit.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape Comes to Switch Online
The headline addition is Rayman 2: The Great Escape, one of the most beloved 3D platformers of the late ’90s.
Rayman 2: A Brief History
Released in 1999 across multiple platforms (N64, PC, PlayStation, Dreamcast), Rayman 2 was a massive leap forward for the franchise. Unlike the original Rayman (1995), which was a side-scrolling 2D platformer, Rayman 2 marked the character’s first foray into 3D.
What made Rayman 2 special:
- Stunning 3D environments for its time
- Tight platforming mechanics that set the standard for the genre
- Charming characters and humor
- Memorable levels with creative design
- Critical acclaim—considered one of the best platformers ever made
Why Rayman 2 Still Holds Up
Even 25+ years later, Rayman 2 remains a fan favorite. Its level design, colorful visuals, and smooth gameplay feel timeless. If you missed it on the N64 (or any other platform), December 17 is your chance to experience it on Switch.
Perfect for:
- Platformer enthusiasts
- Fans of classic 3D collectathons
- Anyone who grew up with N64 games
- Players looking for a cheerful, well-designed adventure
Tonic Trouble: The Forgotten N64 Gem
The second addition is Tonic Trouble, a lesser-known but equally charming platformer from Ubisoft.
What Is Tonic Trouble?
Also released in 1999, Tonic Trouble was created by Michel Ancel, the same designer behind Rayman. The game follows Ed, a purple alien (yes, really) on a mission to stop the villainous drunkard Grögh from conquering the world.
Key features:
- Quirky humor and offbeat characters
- 3D platforming with a mix of exploration and puzzle-solving
- Power-ups, including the ability for Ed to transform into Super Ed by eating popcorn (honestly, who wouldn’t want that power?)
Why Tonic Trouble Deserves a Second Look
Tonic Trouble never reached the same level of fame as Rayman 2, but it has a dedicated cult following. If you’re a fan of weird, lighthearted platformers with personality, this one’s worth checking out.
Perfect for:
- Fans of obscure N64 games
- Players who enjoy quirky, offbeat platformers
- Anyone curious about Michel Ancel’s pre-Beyond Good & Evil work
How to Play: Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Required
Both Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble will be available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers starting December 17, 2025.
What You Need
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription ($49.99/year for individuals, $79.99/year for family plan)
- A desire to relive (or discover) classic N64 platforming
Don’t have the Expansion Pack? You’ll need to upgrade from the base Nintendo Switch Online tier. The Expansion Pack also includes:
- N64 and Sega Genesis games
- Access to DLC for select games (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 2)
- Game Boy Advance titles (recently added)
Recent Nintendo Switch Online N64 Additions
These two platformers join a growing library of N64 classics on Switch Online.
Other Recent Additions
September 2025:
- Forsaken 64 (mature-rated shooter, added to the Mature app)
October 2025:
- Mario & Wario (Japanese SNES exclusive, made playable thanks to Switch 2’s mouse controls)
Nintendo has been steadily expanding the N64 catalog, though fans continue to request deeper cuts and more third-party titles.
What Other N64 Games Should Nintendo Add?
While Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble are welcome additions, fans have been vocal about wanting more N64 classics on Switch Online.
Most-Requested N64 Games
GoldenEye 007 (licensing nightmare, but fans can dream)
Diddy Kong Racing (another Rare gem)
Conker’s Bad Fur Day (probably too mature for the service, but who knows?)
Turok series (already remastered elsewhere, but an N64 version would be nice)
Jet Force Gemini (Rare game with a cult following)
Bomberman 64 (classic multiplayer fun)
Nintendo has been slow to add third-party N64 titles, but the inclusion of Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble suggests they’re making progress with publishers like Ubisoft.
Are Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble Worth Playing in 2025?
Short answer: Absolutely—if you love classic platformers.
Rayman 2: Still a Masterpiece
Rayman 2 holds up remarkably well. Its level design, tight controls, and charming world make it a must-play for platformer fans. If you’ve never experienced it, you’re in for a treat.
Tonic Trouble: A Fun Curiosity
Tonic Trouble is more of a cult classic. It’s not as polished as Rayman 2, but its quirky humor and unique style make it worth a playthrough—especially if you’re a completionist checking off obscure N64 games.
Bottom line: Both games are worth your time, especially if you’re already paying for the Expansion Pack.
Switch 2 Compatibility?
With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon (expected 2025), fans are wondering if these N64 games will carry over seamlessly.
What We Know About Switch 2 Backward Compatibility
- Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with Switch 1 games
- Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions are expected to carry over
- N64 games (and other retro titles) should work on Switch 2
Translation: If you’re subscribed to the Expansion Pack now, you’ll likely be able to play Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble on Switch 2 without issues.
Final Thoughts: A Great Month for N64 Fans
December 17, 2025 is shaping up to be a solid day for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers. Whether you’re revisiting Rayman 2 for the hundredth time or discovering Tonic Trouble for the first time, these classic N64 platformers offer a fun escape into late-’90s gaming nostalgia.
If you’re still on the fence about the Expansion Pack, this might be the push you need—especially with more retro games being added regularly.
While you’re catching up on gaming news, check out the latest on Fortnite Winterfest 2025 with Harry Potter and Hatsune Miku leaks, the UK Prime Minister’s comments on GTA 6 developer firings, and our guide on reaching 5 million stash value in ARC Raiders before the Expedition wipe.
Mark your calendars: Rayman 2 and Tonic Trouble drop December 17. Time to dust off those platforming skills.
