Against all odds, F-Zero 99 has managed to receive updates throughout 2024 continuously. While the previous update, Version 1.4.0, seemed like a fitting finale for substantial gameplay additions, Nintendo has other plans for its battle royale racer. Released just last night, Version 1.5.0 doesn’t have a laundry list of new content, but it does feature a very significant moment for Nintendo with regard to preservation.
Version 1.5.0 of F-Zero 99 marks the first time that any tracks from BS F-Zero Grand Prix have been re-released in any capacity.
Additional content for F-ZERO 99 is now available for #NintendoSwitchOnline members!
➡ New league: Grand Prix Ace League
➡ 5 new tracks
➡ New machine decals
➡ Expanded Practice Modehttps://t.co/NYi3QoTQ62 pic.twitter.com/AvWc5qgXUU— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 2, 2024
While it’s likely common knowledge to F-Zero fans, many will be unaware that the Super Nintendo in Japan (known as the Super Famicom) had a satellite add-on known as the Satellaview. Using satellite technology to broadcast games to connected Super Famicom’s, the thing actually had a good run in Japan before it was discontinued and its exclusive titles were lost to the sands of time. Among its many heavy-hitters were new versions of F-Zero with exclusive tracks that have never seen the light of day in the 20+ years since they were taken offline.
Now through F-Zero 99, you can finally play those tracks without resorting to emulation. While only five tracks are being added — which includes Mute City IV, Sand Storm I, Big Blue II, Sand Storm II, and Silence II — this digging into the past could signal that Nintendo will eventually re-release all of the BS tracks for Switch Online players.
It should be noted that Nintendo states that the tracks have been slightly adjusted to better accommodate F-Zero 99, but that goes without saying. Even the original F-Zero tracks are slightly wider than their SNES counterparts. Having them playable at all, though, is a big win.
The rest of Version 1.5.0 includes updates to prepare for a First Anniversary event. All players who log on will receive four new emotes and an event with 12 different anniversary badges, backdrops, and borders will be winnable. New decals for the cars will be unlockable (some of which are based on BS F-Zero) and there are new boost colors and spin effects. It’s a lot of cosmetic stuff, but still a solid update all around.
Leave a Comment
Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
