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N64 classic GoldenEye 007 headed to Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass

UPDATE: Microsoft has "no plans" to add online multiplayer, despite it being on Switch.

UPDATE 14/9/22: Microsoft has confirmed it has "no plans" to add online multiplayer to the Xbox Game Pass version of GoldenEye 007 - even though the Nintendo Switch version of the game will offer this as part of its package.

"Xbox is excited to bring GoldenEye 007 to Xbox Game Pass for the very first time - a faithful recreation of a much-loved and iconic title," a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer.

"While there are no plans to include online multiplayer as part of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox is focused on bringing this title to players in the way they fondly remember, including local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill."

UPDATE 13/9/22: It's been announced that GoldenEye 007's beloved multiplayer modes will only support online play in the upcoming Switch re-release - with Xbox missing out.

That's according to the official James Bond website, which wrote, "Exclusive to the new Switch version of the 1997 title will be online play, allowing 007 fans across the world to take part in the popular four person multiplayer mode together."

Other N64 games to have gained official online multiplayer support via Nintendo's Switch Online emulation include Mario Kart 64, Star Fox 64, and Sin and Punishment.

GoldenEye 007 – Xbox Game Pass Reveal Trailer.Watch on YouTube

ORIGINAL STORY 13/9/22: Nintendo has just dropped a bombshell during today's Direct presentation - that N64 James Bond classic GoldenEye 007 will launch for the service with online multiplayer.

Original developer Rare has simultaneously confirmed an updated version for Xbox consoles, which will launch on Xbox Game Pass.

The Xbox version will include achievements, 4K resolution and a smoother framerate.

The confirmation came among a flurry of announcement for Nintendo Switch Online, including N64 titles such as Pilotwings 64, plus Mario Party 1 and 2, all of which turn up before the end of the year.

In 2023, expect Mario Party 3, Pokémon Stadium 1 and 2, 1080 Snowboarding and Excitebike 64.

Pokémon Stadium is potentially huge here, if some form of virtual Game Boy connectivity is included.