The iconic James Bond video game GoldenEye 007 (1997) will be re-mastered and re-released for Nintendo Switch Online and Xbox Game Pass, as announced during today’s Nintendo Direct broadcast.
Online play will be exclusive available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack users, and will allow players from across the world to take part in four person multiplayer mode.
Ready up for your objective, secret agents. Nintendo 64’s GoldenEye 007 is coming soon to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members, now with online play! pic.twitter.com/gC62smXqUK
— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) September 13, 2022
Microsoft has also confirmed that a 4K resolution remaster will be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S as part of Xbox Game Pass, and will feature “the classic campaign mode, transformative difficulty levels and havoc-inducing cheats will all make their return – as will the iconic split-screen local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill.”
The name’s Bond. James Bond.@RareLtd's classic FPS GoldenEye 007 is coming soon to @XboxGamePass, faithfully recreated with added achievements, 4k resolution and a steady framerate! Time to get the split-screen band back together… https://t.co/WCwROMw3qL pic.twitter.com/CKFnarSzWT
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 13, 2022
Additionally, players who own a digital copy of Rare Replay, the 30-game compilation of classics from the award-winning studio behind GoldenEye 007’s original release, will be able to download and enjoy the game free of charge.
The new release comes with improved control options including dual analogue stick support, native 16:9 resolution up to 4K Ultra HD (where supported), a consistent refresh rate and a full complement of achievements to unlock.
In case you want a more thorough mission briefing on this somewhat stealthy GoldenEye 007 announcement, please take in this article that we've prepared for your eyes… and the eyes of anyone else who wants to read it: https://t.co/SHwGCWPEqa pic.twitter.com/InoxNvTdMX
— Rare Ltd. (@RareLtd) September 13, 2022
Speculation and rumours about a high-definition release of the classic Nintendo 64 game first began in January of this year, when unlocked achievements from the game began circulating on the internet. It was later confirmed to James Bond Australia, that the initial launch planned for March was postponed out of sensitivity, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Based on the 1995 film GoldenEye starring Pierce Brosnan, the game allows players control James Bond through a series of levels following the plot of GoldenEye. In multiplayer mode, up to four players can compete in several scenarios based on elements from You Only Live Twice (1967), The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989).
GoldenEye 007 ranks as the third best-selling Nintendo 64 game of all time and is considered to be one of the most influential and seminal first-person shooter games ever made, and paved the way for modern titles including Call of Duty and Halo.
The official release date for GoldenEye 007 for Nintendo Switch and Xbox has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!
