So, you can only imagine just how hyped gamers were to find out that a remaster or re-release of GoldenEye 007 is coming. After years of hearing the same rumors circling around, it appears that the game has finally put its licensing issues behind it as it finally makes its way to the Game Pass. Unfortunately, GoldenEye 007’s arrival on modern platforms isn’t in, let’s just say, the best terms. Apparently, Microsoft and Nintendo are re-releasing GoldenEye 007 for the Game Pass and the Switch, respectively. What makes this confusing is that the two ports are different from each other. Nintendo revealed its GoldenEye 007 port, which comes with online play, as part of the Switch Online Expansion Pack at its recent September Direct showcase. It wasn’t long after that Microsoft also confirmed that it has a “better” version that’s coming to the Game Pass. The former is apparently running in an emulator with few improvements. Meanwhile, the latter is close to a full-on remaster with Rare promising everything from achievements, dual analog stick support, 4K resolution, and a “smoother framerate.” TLDR; The Game Pass is the best way to play the “new” GoldenEye 007 if online split-screen multiplayer is not a big deal to you. Both versions will feature local (couch) split-screen multiplayer. Online play should’ve made the Switch version a no-brainer, but Switch Online isn’t stable. It’s not uncommon for Nintendo Switch owners to complain about disconnects when they play online games. Not to mention, Nintendo doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to Nintendo 64 ports. On the other hand, Game Pass has done an excellent job making older titles run on newer Xbox consoles. At the very least, playing GoldenEye 007 on the Xbox should look, feel, and play more like how you imagined the iconic shooter. We have zero clue how much the Xbox version of GoldenEye 007 will cost, but it will be free if you own the Rare Replay collection. While both GoldenEye 007 ports are far from remakes, it’s still nice to know that Microsoft and Nintendo see value in supporting the classic game. If nothing else, it should go a long way towards generating buzz for a proper remake in the future.
