The 1997 Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007 will be available via subscription on Friday, Sept. 27, arriving on Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass, the companies announced.
Where and how to play
On Nintendo Switch, GoldenEye 007 will be offered through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which carries an annual price of R$ 262,99. The Switch release reportedly uses the same build as the original N64 version and includes online multiplayer exclusively for this platform, according to the official 007 site.
Microsoft’s release for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S will be available through Xbox Game Pass. Craig Duncan, head of the Microsoft-owned developer, said the Xbox edition will include alternative control options, achievements to unlock and a native 16:9 resolution up to 4K Ultra HD. The Xbox versions do not include online multiplayer.
Subscribers to Game Pass will gain access to GoldenEye 007. Players who already own the digital Rare Replay compilation (a 2015 collection of 30 classic games) may also receive the title without an additional purchase. GoldenEye 007 will not be sold separately at launch.
About the original game
Developed as a licensed tie-in to the 1995 James Bond film that introduced Pierce Brosnan as 007, GoldenEye 007 was praised for its single-player campaign and its competitive split-screen multiplayer. It became the third best-selling title on the N64 with 8.09 million copies sold, behind Super Mario 64 (11.91 million) and Mario Kart 64 (9.87 million).
Remasters, rights and fan interest
Fans had anticipated a modern remaster for Xbox Series X|S for months. A version had been planned for Xbox 360 around late 2010, and an extended gameplay clip surfaced in 2016. At the time, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said licensing rights complicated efforts to bring the game to modern consoles.
The two releases arriving on Sept. 27 do not appear to be full remasters: the Switch edition looks visually identical to the original N64 presentation, while the Xbox release appears to be an enhanced edition of the original experience rather than a complete remake.
Comments from a developer
David Doak, a developer on the original project whose likeness was used for the in-game character Dr. Doak, reacted to the relaunch on Twitter after Nintendo announced the re-release in September. He said it is “great” the game is being made available again and expressed hope that a new generation will be able to play and enjoy it, calling his participation in the original team “an absolute privilege” after 25 years.
Sources: CNET
