Nintendo has introduced two more games For Game Boy: Nintendo Classics app for Nintendo Switch Online customers. In form of 3 February 2026Balloon Kid and Yoshi are now available to play at no additional cost beyond a base subscription.
It is the first Game Boy Classics update of 2026. The app was last updated in late 2025.
Two first-party Game Boy additions
Both new games are first-party Nintendo titles from the early 1990s.
yoshiReleased in 1991, is a puzzle game centered around vertical stacks of enemies and objects. Players clear the screen by matching pairs while managing the falling pieces before reaching the top edge. The Game Boy version supports both single-player and two-player gameplay.
balloon babyFrom 1990, a side-scrolling platformer and balloon fight sequel. Gameplay focuses on horizontal movement, obstacle avoidance, and balloon-based flight. Players control Alice as the screen automatically scrolls, with a two-player competitive mode also available.
What do subscribers have to do?
A simple app update is required to access the new games.
How to play Balloon Kid and Yoshi:
- Game Boy on Switch: Open the Nintendo Classics app
- Connect the console to the Internet
- Download and install the latest updates
- Launch any game from the updated library
No expansion pack subscription required. The Game Boy Classics app is included with the standard Nintendo Switch Online plan.
Game Boy Classics library expanded to 43 titles
With these additions, the catalog now includes 43 sports. It already includes titles like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, Metroid 2: Return of Samus, multiple Kirby games, and Tetris.
Nintendo continues to update Classics apps sporadically Instead of a fixed schedule. This update came without any prior announcement.
More retro updates coming in February
Nintendo has confirmed that the Virtual Boy: Nintendo Classics app will launch later this month. This will require both a Nintendo Switch Online+ Expansion Pack subscription and compatible hardware for the Switch 2. The app will start with a limited selection of titles.
game boy classics apps No Requires additional hardware or subscription upgrade, and the February 3rd update applies all standard customers.
