Exciting news for Nintendo fans!

The most elusive piece of Nintendo gaming history - the original 1989 NES version of Tetris - is finally making its grand entrance to the Nintendo Switch Online NES collection on December 12. This monumental release marks the first time NES Tetris will be officially available for modern gamers, a feat that has been long awaited by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Legacy of NES Tetris

Originally released shortly after the beloved Game Boy version, NES Tetris has remained overlooked, despite having a significant legacy. The Game Boy edition enjoyed a color remaster with Tetris DX and made its way to the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, while the NES counterpart mysteriously stayed in the shadows until now. As the game that defined competitive Tetris for many, NES Tetris has carved out a niche in esports, where a new generation of players has been breaking records and evolving strategies around this timeless puzzle classic.

The Journey to Western Markets

The journey of Tetris into Western markets is a fascinating chapter in gaming history. Nintendo’s intense negotiations with Soviet Russian authorities and enigmatic British media players in the late 1980s are nothing short of legendary. With the Game Boy launch just around the corner, securing the publishing rights for Tetris outside Japan became a priority. Nintendo was not only focused on the handheld rights; they also made a strategic move to seize console publishing rights to ensure the game’s success on the NES platform.

A Persistent Legacy

Despite the breathtaking legacy, Tetris has sometimes been overlooked in compilations and newer releases. For instance, the recent Tetris Forever compilation notably excluded both NES and Game Boy versions, which only further emphasizes the significance of this upcoming release. If the Game Boy Tetris is regarded as the torchbearer of the franchise, then the NES edition has undoubtedly earned its place as a close second, maintaining its status as a competitive standard in gaming lore.

Mark Your Calendars!

Mark your calendars for December 12, as NES Tetris becomes available to Switch Online subscribers, allowing both nostalgic players and new challengers to dive into this classic and explore the intricate world of high-speed block stacking. Prepare to experience the magic that has captivated millions for over three decades!