GoldenEye 007 On Xbox And Switch Hands-On Impressions

It was revealed last fall that GoldenEye 007 (the classic N64 first person shooter) would be coming to Switch and Xbox in 2023. It’s finally here! One of the most loved and influential games of its time is now available on both Xbox 360 and Switch. These versions faithfully recreate the classic console FPS but there are key differences that make one version more appealing than the other. To find out which version I like, I tried both.

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GoldenEye 007 first launched in late 1990s. For months, I was addicted to it. I was able to complete all of the missions for 00 Agent, unlock all cheats and play through many multiplayer matches, if not thousands, with friends. As with all my favorite games, I eventually fell off and moved on to newer releases, but my fondness and nostalgia for GoldenEye 007 have always remained.

Years later, while I was still in college, I can recall going into a friend’s room to fire up the N64 and playing my favorite games such as Super Smash Bros., Star Fox 64 and GoldenEye 007. GoldenEye was the one that I felt had the greatest impact on my life. This is due to the fact that the genre has seen so much progress with shooters like Halo, Call of Duty and Black. GoldenEye 007 became a game I considered incredibly influential that would not feel the same as before. This was due to many advancements made in this genre. With that mindset, I began my GoldenEye 027 play sessions.

Differential

We learned when these port of GoldenEye 007 was announced that the Nintendo Switch Online version would more closely mirror the original Nintendo 64. However, the Xbox version got a bit more modernization. It now has native 4K 16-9 resolution, a consistent refreshing rate, achievement support and, above all, dual analog stick control. While the Switch version does not bring any improvements to FPS, however, it offers online multiplayer, save states, and the ability to assist with failed missions.

Xbox Version

GoldenEye 007

The Xbox version brings many improvements to GoldenEye007, as advertised. While the game is generally smooth, it does look great on widescreen (though there were a few frames rate drops). My favorite feature is the Xbox version’s smooth gameplay. This is due to its modern control system that uses both analog sticks. It looks almost exactly like any modern shooter.

It’s impossible to overstate just how far being able to aim and turn with the right stick while moving with the left stick goes into making this 25-year-old title feel much less aged. I’m honestly shocked at how good GoldenEye feels on Xbox. The modern control system allowed me to quickly complete the first levels of 00 Agent. I even got my first cheat. (Interestingly, the Xbox version still has the title “DK Mode” despite the reference to Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s owned. If I need to dive into GoldenEye 007 single-player, I will use the Xbox version.

Modify Version

GoldenEye 007

Jumping over the Switch version, I immediately felt the strain of using the classic single-stick controls and full-screen controls (thankfully, there is a widescreen option in the in-game menu on Bond’s watch). The standard Switch Pro Controller is not compatible with all Nintendo 64 games, so I tried to get the full effect. GoldenEye007 is not any different. Playing this game on a standard Switch controller feels downright awful, thanks to the default button mapping – aiming and moving with the left stick feels counterintuitive, and the triggers/shoulder buttons feel backward from how they should. Cuesport77 on Reddit has offered instructions to modify the button mapping to make Switch’s controls more modern.

Short of doing that remap, your best bet for playing the Nintendo Switch Online version of GoldenEye 007 (or, really, any N64 game in the catalog) is to acquire one of the hard-to-get Nintendo 64 controllers for the Switch. It was a very rare opportunity to get one, which I am glad I took advantage of. It’s not the best way to enjoy this game, even though it still feels very old. I had moments of awkwardness even when using the N64 Switch controller.

Of course, Nintendo Switch Online is the best way to enjoy splitscreen multiplayer. Although this feature doesn’t apply to GoldenEye007, it makes the game even more enjoyable. After playing several missions on the Switch I joined an online multiplayer match. Multiplayer can still be as exciting and enjoyable as in 1997. The Nintendo Switch Online’s multiplayer capabilities make it easy to play online. Playing 1v1 online didn’t cause any latency. It allowed for the game mode that made GoldenEye 007 so famous in the late-’90s to really shine. Online play of GoldenEye007 is a great way for me to be excited.

Conclusion

It really comes down to which game you prefer to spend your time playing. If you’re like me, the dual-analog-stick controls alone make the Xbox version the superior release, but it’s impossible to overlook the online multiplayer capabilities of the Nintendo Switch Online – especially if your friends you used to play with now live on opposite ends of the country. You don’t have to choose between the two versions, depending on how you feel.

GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye007 can be purchased today for Xbox, Xbox Game Pass and Rare Replay. Switch is also available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.


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