Yesterday during the Nintendo Direct event, the long-rumoured GoldenEye 007 remaster was announced. However, it won’t be exclusive to Nintendo Switch as it will also launch on Xbox Game Pass. There’s one big catch, though: the game’s online multiplayer feature will be exclusive to Switch, while Xbox will only receive the local split-screen multiplayer mode.
According to the official 007 website: “Exclusive to the new Switch version of the 1997 title will be online play, allowing 007 fans across the world to take part in the popular four person multiplayer mode.” Xbox’s official announcement for its own version of the shooter only references the game’s “iconic split-screen local multiplayer mode.”
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Microsoft would later release a statement to Video Games Chronicle confirming that the Xbox version of GoldenEye 007 will not feature online multiplayer:
“Xbox is excited to bring GoldenEye 007 to Xbox Game Pass for the very first time – a faithful recreation of a much-loved and iconic title. While there are no plans to include online multiplayer as part of GoldenEye 007 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox is focused on bringing this title to players in the way they fondly remember, including local multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to take to the couch in a battle of wits and skill.”
Fans will probably remember the local multiplayer most fondly, so this isn’t a major concern for some. However, it’s still bizarre that online multiplayer is being limited to Nintendo Switch, but considering that the original game launched on the N64 back in the 90s, Nintendo may have preference for these deals.
The HD remaster of GoldenEye 007 is being handled by original developer Rare, bringing plenty of visual and performance upgrades. “The original experience has been updated 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,” said Rare.
GoldenEye 007 will arrive on Nintendo Switch as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S via Game Pass. No release date was given.
Source: Video Games Chronicle
