On April 11, 2025, Sega added three iconic titles to Sega Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online, specifically for subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The newly available games are ESWAT: City Under Siege, Streets of Rage, and Super Thunder Blade. Players can access these titles following a simple app update.
Streets of Rage (1991)
Among the trio, Streets of Rage stands out as a pioneering beat-’em-up. Players take control of Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter, former police officers turned vigilantes. Faced with the criminal organization led by Mr. X in Wood Oak City, they decide to reclaim their city. With the option for two-player co-op, players battle waves of enemies using fists and various weapons, including baseball bats and knives, found throughout the game. A unique gameplay feature allows players to summon police assistance for an explosive retreat. The game features an unforgettable soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro, further enhancing the experience. As a predecessor to Streets of Rage 2, this title laid the groundwork for its famous sequel.
ESWAT: City Under Siege (1990)
ESWAT: City Under Siege reimagines the arcade game Cyber Police ESWAT. Players step into the shoes of Duke Oda, a police officer who joins the Enhanced Special Weapons and Tactics (ESWAT) unit equipped with a cybernetic suit. This platforming action-adventure requires players to navigate through stages, starting with a basic pistol and evolving to more advanced weaponry as Duke upgrades his suit. With jet boosters and limited ammunition, strategic gameplay is necessary to defeat various criminal factions and eventually confront an evil AI supercomputer.
Super Thunder Blade (1989)
Originally a port of the arcade game Thunder Blade, Super Thunder Blade offers a distinctive third-person helicopter shooter experience. Players pilot an attack helicopter, engaging in combat through four stages filled with enemies and challenging bosses. Despite criticism for its graphics and framerate issues compared to the arcade version, the game remains a staple in Sega’s classic collections.
Game Availability and Final Thoughts
For those subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, these titles are worth exploring, especially given the nostalgia they evoke from the early 1990s gaming era. Previous additions to the service include other classics like Toejam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron and Vectorman.
Visit the official Sega Genesis – Nintendo Switch Online page for more details and the complete listing of available games. If you have thoughts about this latest update or wish to share your favorite Genesis titles, feel free to join the conversation in the comments.