GoldenEye 007
Gaming

Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007 is back on Nintendo and Microsoft consoles this month

ⓘThis article was published on January 25, 2023 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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British secret service agent James Bond blasts onto the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S consoles with the return of the legendary Nintendo 64 title GoldenEye 007 on Friday, January 27th, 2023.

GoldenEye 007
Natalya Simonova (left) and James Bond (right) make their escape in St. Petersburg, Russia. Image from Nintendo.

Developed by UK-based Rare (which was long ago purchased by Microsoft) in the mid-1990s, GoldenEye 007 was the adaptation of the 1995 blockbuster spy flick GoldenEye which saw Pierce Brosnan don the tuxedo as the suave secret agent. Gamers from that era will remember the split-screen multiplayer segment where up to four people could go head-to-head on the same television as characters armed with weapons from multiple Bond movies — Scaramanga’s single-shot Golden Gun or the zappy Moonraker laser. Slappers only, anyone?

GoldenEye 007
Split-screen multiplayer inside the infamous library stacks. Image from Nintendo.

Just in time for the game’s 25th anniversary, Rare has given GoldenEye 007 an update so it looks just as great on today’s technology — the game was considered cutting edge of its time. However, looking at some of the screenshots provided ahead of its release, in-game text and onscreen icons appear blurry, likely an an aftereffect from the upscaling. Character models look sharp and blocky — a holdover from the polygon limits of the Nintendo 64’s hardware. Both the Switch and Xbox versions will permit split-screen local and online multiplayer matches along with some additional unlockable features unique to each console.

GoldenEye 007
James Bond uses his trusty watch laser to break out of Janus’ armored train. Image from Nintendo.

For Nintendo owners, GoldenEye 007 is available as part of the Nintendo 64 library on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This is a separate membership from the Nintendo Switch Online plan that grants access to plenty of popular N64 and Sega Genesis games for $63.99 CAD a year.

Xbox gamers can get GoldenEye 007 as part of the Xbox Game Pass but only on console (sorry PC fans.) There’s two tiers for Xbox Game Pass — the console plan at $11.99 CAD a month ($143.88 CAD annually) or the Ultimate plan at $16.99 CAD monthly ($203.88 CAD annually).

Sources: Nintendo press release, Microsoft press release

GoldenEye 007 Interactive Game © 1997-2023 Danjaq and MGM. JAMES BOND, 007, 007 Gun Logo and related James Bond indicia © 1962-2023 Danjaq and MGM. JAMES BOND, 007, 007 Gun Logo and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq. GoldenEye 007 Interactive Game TM Danjaq.

 

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