F-Zero X comes to Nintendo Switch with new online multiplayer options

metro.co.uk:

The F-Zero series makes its Switch debut with N64 classic F-Zero X, and it even has online multiplayer.

It’s only been a couple of weeks since The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask was added to the Nintendo Switch’s library of Nintendo 64 games and online subscribers already have another retro gem to look forward to this week: F-Zero X.

Released in 1999 as a sequel to the SNES original, it’s a futuristic racer where 30 competitors speed through loops, corkscrews, and pipes to reach the finish line.

Rather than being exactly the same as the original, Nintendo has updated it with online functionality, although it’s still split-screen like the local multiplayer. The announcement trailer also highlights the Death Race mode, where the goal is to annihilate the other 29 racers as quickly as possible.

At the time of its release, F-Zero X was praised for being able to maintain a high frame rate despite how fast it could get and, judging by the trailer footage, it looks like it will be just as smooth on Switch.

When N64 games first arrived on Switch, there were frequent complaints of poor frame rates, as well as other issues like input delay and miscellaneous bugs. Nintendo has begun fixing these problems with subsequent updates so hopefully F-Zero X will be a smooth experience from the start.

Despite a very loud and passionate fan base, there hasn’t been an entirely new entry in the F-Zero series since the Game Boy Advance games in 2004. Instead, fans have had to make do with re-releases such as this one.

Nintendo clearly hasn’t forgotten about the series though, as it’s been referenced in other games like Nintendo Land and Mario Kart 8. Series mascot Captain Falcon has also been a staple of the Super Smash Bros. games for decades; he’s