Rediscovering the Magic of Classic Disney Games on Switch
For anyone who fondly remembers the golden age of after-school cartoons, Disney Afternoon Collection delivers a vibrant wave of nostalgia—this time, enhanced for the Nintendo Switch. While the original release already charmed retro fans with its tight curation of NES-era gems, the Switch edition steps up with two exclusive SNES additions that make it irresistible for both newcomers and longtime collectors.
What’s Inside the Disney Afternoon Collection?
The core collection remains a celebration of pixel-perfect platforming and action from the late 20th century. Each title evokes a unique take on the beloved shows that inspired them, including:
- DuckTales (NES)
- DuckTales 2 (NES)
- Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers (NES)
- Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers 2 (NES)
- Talespin (NES)
- Darkwing Duck (NES)
This already compelling line-up is now bolstered by two SNES titles previously absent from modern collections: Goof Troop and Bonkers.
Goof Troop: An Underrated Co-Op Masterpiece
If there is one reason to revisit (or invest in) this new Switch release, it’s undeniably Goof Troop. Originally developed by Capcom and featuring early design influence from Shinji Mikami (well before his Resident Evil days), this top-down action-puzzle title is more than a simple TV tie-in. Players choose between Goofy and Max, navigating perilous islands to rescue their friends, with each mechanic thoughtfully implemented to favor teamwork over brute force.
The game’s ingenious design leans heavily on strategy: co-op partners can only carry one item at a time, so coordination and planning are key. From using bells to distract enemies to deploying grappling hooks and shovels to cross obstacles or dig up hidden treasures, the gameplay loop keeps both players engaged and challenged. For puzzle aficionados, Goof Troop remains a breezy yet satisfying experience that can be completed in a single, memorable session.
Bonkers: Platforming With Toon Attitude
Next up is Bonkers, a platformer that channels the quirky energy of its animated counterpart. As the excitable cop Bonkers D. Bobcat, players dash, jump, and take on bosses across six rapid-fire stages. While the mechanics borrow familiar notes from other Capcom Disney titles and there are humorous in-show cameos, the experience is relatively brief and straightforward. For those with nostalgic ties to the show or fans of vintage platformers, it’s a pleasant, if short, diversion—but it likely won’t steal the spotlight from the rest of the collection.
NES Classics: Still Worth Your Time
The aforementioned DuckTales games remain the crown jewels of this package, showcasing some of the most celebrated gameplay from the NES era, now harder to find in physical form. Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers is another highlight, blending clever level design with truly enjoyable co-op play. While Darkwing Duck and Talespin may cater more to dedicated fans, both offer enough charm and challenge to warrant a closer look, especially for those who appreciate the quirks and limitations of classic hardware.
Technical Touches and Practical Advice
All titles in the Disney Afternoon Collection benefit from Digital Eclipse’s careful porting, ensuring crisp visuals, responsive controls, and optional modern features like save states and rewind—an absolute must for anyone revisiting notoriously tough retro titles. For purists, the ability to toggle between original and enhanced presentation keeps the authentic experience intact.
If you already own a previous digital version of the collection, the incentive to upgrade lies mainly in the exclusive SNES titles. For collectors or those new to the bundle, this Switch edition is arguably the most complete and accessible way to revisit a slice of gaming history that defined an entire era of animation and interactive storytelling.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Goof Troop is a co-op treasure—don’t miss it.
- The legacy NES platformers are still delightful, even decades later.
- Bonkers is more of a bonus than a headliner.
- The enhanced package is currently exclusive to the Switch platform.
