F-Zero Is Going Through A Quiet Resurgence

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In terms of diverse and sprawling video game franchises, not many publishers can rival Nintendo’s offerings, boasting epic sagas like The Legend of Zelda alongside specialized series such as Metroid. While several of these franchises receive frequent updates with new releases, a significant number have been put on hold – and out of the idle ones, perhaps none is more eagerly anticipated than F-Zero. Despite the prolonged absence of a fresh installment, there’s been an understated revival of sorts for this futuristic racing series in recent years.

2023 marked a significant resurgence for the F-Zero series, as the unexpected launch of F-Zero 99 took place on Nintendo Switch Online. This new version introduced a battle royale element to the original gameplay, much like Tetris 99 and the brief Pac-Man 99 did earlier. F-Zero 99 breathes fresh life into the classic design by expanding the number of participants, with 99 racers all aiming for the top spot. Unlike Tetris 99, which is a test of endurance as players try to eliminate each other, F-Zero 99 remains a racing game at its core; unlike most battle royale games, you don’t eliminate opponents but outsmart them throughout four laps. The larger player count intensifies these fast-paced races even further, and success or failure often hinges on differences measured in milliseconds.

The outcome is thrilling! While it might not be a completely fresh addition, F-Zero 99 brings a revitalizing take on the franchise, hinting at an exciting direction for upcoming versions. Increasing the number of players heightens the pulse-pounding excitement of F-Zero’s most memorable instances – maneuvering through treacherous, peril-filled tracks and sharp turns at breakneck speeds while other vehicles bounce off and explode around you. Most significantly, this game serves as evidence that Nintendo has neither overlooked nor abandoned the F-Zero series, contradicting the claims of dissatisfied fans.

After the debut of F-Zero 99, Nintendo has consistently released new content for the game on the Switch and kept the series relevant by doing so. The original game still hosts regular events and updates, with one recent update adding courses and other content from the old BS F-Zero game for Super Famicom’s Satellaview accessory. Throughout 2024, Nintendo also brought three classic F-Zero games out of storage and made them available on Switch Online’s Game Boy Advance library. Maximum Velocity was introduced in March, followed by GP Legend and its sequel, F-Zero Climax, both released in October.

Among the most remarkable updates to the service, the final title in question stands out. Not only was Climax the last F-Zero game developed for Game Boy Advance, it came close to the end of the device’s lifecycle in 2004. More importantly, it signaled the end of the series. Following GP Legend (which debuted just a few months after F-Zero GX on GameCube), Climax was the third F-Zero game in a two-year span, which reduced its influence significantly. This was evident in the lukewarm response it received, allegedly selling only around 5,000 copies during its first three days. Consequently, it became the last new F-Zero game that Nintendo released before putting the series on hold for almost 20 years, until F-Zero 99 was announced.

Notably, F-Zero Climax was initially only available in Japan. Due to the series’ decreasing sales and Nintendo deciding against distributing it globally, many F-Zero fans worldwide had no opportunity to play this missing installment. However, with its debut on the Switch Online service, it marks the first official chance for fans to explore this forgotten chapter. Although it may have gone unnoticed at its original launch, F-Zero Climax is arguably the pinnacle of the series’ 2D design, boasting improved racing mechanics, stunning visuals, and a course customization tool (which is now more enjoyable due to the convenience of sharing custom tracks online). In essence, this belated release has worked in its favor as F-Zero Climax arrives at a time when players are increasingly interested inand craving forF-Zero content.

Instead of merely appearing as a simple method for Nintendo to sustain the original Switch while focusing on the upcoming Switch 2, these re-releases carry significant importance for the new console’s debut. As soon as the system goes live, subscribers to the Switch Online + Expansion Pack will gain access to a collection of classic GameCube games—notably, one of the initial three playable games on the service will be F-Zero GX.

This game stands out for several significant factors, most importantly because it’s the first time in over 20 years that it will officially be released. F-Zero GX is often considered the best game in the series, serving as an excellent demonstration of Nintendo’s new system. The enhanced resolution of Switch 2 keeps the game’s bright and vivid visuals crisp even after two decades, and the inclusion of online multiplayer significantly boosts its attractiveness. Furthermore, the launch of GX means that the entire F-Zero series (save for minor titles like the F-Zero X Expansion Kit) will be playable on Switch 2 from day one, granting longtime enthusiasts and newcomers access to the entire series on a single platform.

It’s worth noting that F-Zero isn’t just contributing to the launch of the new platform, but also made an appearance in the Switch 2 commercial featuring Paul Rudd. While the ad mainly focuses on Mario Kart World and the GameChat feature, F-Zero 99 can be seen on the system’s home menu at the start of the advertisement. This might be the most mainstream exposure it has ever had. It’s clear why they included 99 in the ad – it’s a deliberate nod back to the 1991 SNES commercial where Rudd appeared, highlighting the original F-Zero among other titles. The inclusion of F-Zero 99 connects the old and new commercials, but it’s significant that it’s being showcased (even briefly) as part of such a crucial marketing effort.

Over time, with frequent re-releases and updates, F-Zero has gained more visibility than it has in quite some time, suggesting a promising future for the game series. Nintendo has been subtly preparing the ground for a possible comeback, releasing free versions like F-Zero 99 and continuously bringing back classic titles to assess fan enthusiasm and introduce the franchise to fresh players. Despite its well-deserved criticisms for being conservative, Nintendo tends to give lesser-known games another shot, as demonstrated by the recent return of Famicom Detective Club. Given that such an obscure series has managed a new release, there’s still hope for a brand-new F-Zero.

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2025-05-28 00:39