For those seeking the ultimate portable experience, the Nintendo Switch offers a unique way to relive these memories. As one review noted, "The 8-bit and 16-bit Contra games are among the finest examples of the run ‘n gun genre, and to have almost all of them included in a single release and emulated flawlessly is an absolute treat". With a Metacritic score of 81/100, the collection was generally praised for its preservation and performance.
The Contra Anniversary Collection preserves one of the most famous secrets in gaming history: the Konami Code. However, the inputs vary slightly depending on your controller. For the Nintendo Switch version, activating the code requires pressing: on the title screen. It is worth noting that the Japanese versions of the games (which were added in the patch) often have additional hidden cheat codes that their Western counterparts lack, rewarding players who explore the import versions.
: Even the standard editions include a massive 74-page digital bonus book within the game menu, featuring rare development materials, sketches, and exclusive interviews with series veterans like producer Nobuya Nakazato. Full Game Roster contra anniversary collection switch nsp update exclusive
The most substantial addition delivered via the NSP update is the inclusion of the Japanese versions for six of the titles. This is not just a text translation swap; the Japanese versions often represent the definitive ways to play these games.
The initial release of the collection was great, but the subsequent updates to the Switch NSP improved the following: For those seeking the ultimate portable experience, the
The NSP (Nintendo eShop) update brought with it not only the games but also a host of exclusive content. Players could look forward to brand-new pixel art graphics, reimagined soundtracks, and even new levels and characters that had been created specifically for this collection. The exclusive content wasn't limited to in-game items; the collection also included a digital artbook, developer interviews, and a music player that allowed fans to enjoy the iconic Contra soundtracks.
European versions like Probotector were updated to run at 60Hz instead of the original 50Hz, ensuring they play at full speed on modern Switch screens. Exclusive Bonus Content The Contra Anniversary Collection preserves one of the
The updates resolved initial controller latency issues, providing pixel-perfect responsiveness crucial for twitch-reflex shooters. Furthermore, advanced button configuration options allowed players to map rapid-fire functions natively, relieving physical strain during long play sessions. 3. Digital Bonus Book Updates
: Choose between "Original," "Pixel Perfect," and several "Scanline" filters to recreate that authentic arcade or CRT TV feel.
The collection includes not only the standard US/EU versions but also the Japanese versions (e.g., Contra vs. Gryzor ). The "exclusive" draw for preservationists and ROM enthusiasts is the inclusion of specific variants:
: Added the original Japanese ROMs for almost every title. This is a massive addition because the Japanese versions often featured different difficulty balances (like a life bar in Hard Corps ) or extra visual effects (like the cutscenes in the Famicom version of Contra ).