Nintendo’s musical time capsule: From pixelated beeps to curated beats

Ah, Nintendo—where my heart first pixelated back in the day with a monochromatic marvel called the Game & Watch. Yep, that little handheld hero (think of it as the Nintendo Switch’s great-great-grandparent) wasn’t exactly “console supreme.” It had a single game, black-and-white visuals, and a battery life that seemed to stretch beyond time itself. Mine? Donkey Kong. A one-button, high-score thrill that kept the young me entertained until real life intervened. Fast-forward a few decades (okay, several), and now Nintendo’s not only covering us in gameplay but also playlists? Cue a nostalgic gasp.

This week, Nintendo has amped up our nostalgia levels with the Nintendo Music App—a fresh way to tap back into those gaming soundtracks, whether you’re a Pokémon collector, Zelda adventurer, or Mario Kart speedster. Just another playlist? No! This full sensory portal features everything from Metroid Prime’s haunting synths to the cozy hums of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. And it’s not just background music; Nintendo crafted these tunes with such intention that even the faintest of Mario jingles can send a gamer down memory lane at turbo speed. Add to that the playlist customization, and you’re no longer just listening—you’re curating your mini soundtrack collection, stitching together musical moments from all those late-night gaming sessions. You can play them offline, too, meaning Nintendo has you covered even if your Wi-Fi decides to rage quit. With all this, it’s an investment that even Bowser might approve of.

As of October 31, the app is freely available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. But, as with all good things, there’s a catch: a Nintendo Switch Online membership is your golden ticket here. Available at stores like Target, Amazon, and Walmart, memberships start at $7.99 for three months, which—if we break it down—comes to a mere $2.66 per month. Not only does this unlock Nintendo Music’s vast track collection, but it also brings online multiplayer, backup cloud data storage, and a library stocked with playable NES, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy classics. So, for a few bucks a month, you get a passport back to gaming’s golden era and the modern multiplayer perks of today.

And speaking of that track lineup—Nintendo's really stacked the deck. First on the list, is Pikmin 4, where the soundtrack is as quirky and imaginative as the little creatures themselves, bringing whimsy and epic vibes perfect for a bit of out-of-this-world escapism. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet come next, fresh additions that balance classic Pokémon adventure vibes with an edge of new-school excitement, ideal for explorers. And if you’re looking for pure energy, the beats of Splatoon 3 come in like a blast of neon, painting your day with high-octane, music-driven chaos.

On the mellower side, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is all about soft, cozy vibes that practically beg for a coffee in hand and a chill day ahead. Meanwhile, Kirby Star Allies comes through with cheerful, bouncy tunes that make every morning feel like a fresh power-up. Then there’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, revving things up with its full-throttle racing anthems—a must for days when you’re channeling your inner speedster.

And for those epic, introspective moments? The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s soundtrack is the stuff of legends, turning everyday life into a heroic journey of its own. Metroid Prime brings a darker, more sci-fi tone, where haunting synths and deep bass take you straight to uncharted planets. Need a boost of courage? Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade delivers stirring orchestral pieces that make even the quietest days feel like a grand battle. Finally, Donkey Kong Country swings in with timeless jungle beats and groovy bass lines, transporting you back to simpler days of golden bananas and pixel-perfect jumps.

So whether you're humming Animal Crossing tunes during coffee or revving up to Mario Kart’s beats on your commute, Nintendo's music library is primed to follow you everywhere—no batteries or awkward handheld required. And if Nintendo’s promised library expansion keeps rolling out, we might be able to create the ultimate “level up” playlist for every moment of our non-gaming lives. Welcome to a world where nostalgia and convenience are officially a one-tap affair.