Speculation is mounting that GoldenEye 007, Rare’s classic FPS from the Nintendo 64 era, could be coming to the Nintendo Switch. Eurogamer reports that GoldenEye 007 is no longer banned in Germany. It was previously listed on the BPjM list of “Media Harmful to Young Persons, which heavily restricts sales in Germany.
What’s interesting is that it was actively removed ahead of the review process that happens automatically after 25 years. In other words, one of Nintendo’s European partners actively requested the review, which doesn’t happen for free. So why would someone pay to do this early?
Well, there’s growing speculation that the move was made to clear the way for GoldenEye 007 to release on Nintendo Switch via the recently launched Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, which includes a library of select Nintendo 64 (and SEGA Genesis) games.
As we pointed out when the Expansion Pack service was first announced, GoldenEye 007 has all sorts of rights issues that prevent it from being re-released. Microsoft had hoped to release an HD remaster of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Live Arcade back in 2007, but copyright disputes ultimately saw the project shuttered.
There’s still hope that the N64 game could come to the Nintendo Switch, though, and this development within Germany is something a lot of fans are clinging to. GoldenEye 007 remains one of the most beloved first-person shooters ever. Although its gameplay is dated by today’s standards, there’s just something about — probably nostalgia — that just brings back fond memories. For now though, this is purely speculation.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack currently gives subscribers access to nine Nintendo 64 classics, including Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Starfox 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and more. Of course, there are plans to continue to add to this list and hopefully one day we get to play GoldenEye 007.
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