Nintendo has released the final wave of F-Zero 99 profile icons for Nintendo Switch Online members, capping off months of support for the cult-favorite battle royale racer.
The new icon drop includes stylized portraits of classic racers like Samurai Goroh and Pico, a handful of retro vehicle designs, and multiple badge icons referencing the game’s signature 99-player mayhem. Available through the NSO Missions & Rewards system, these new assets bring the F-Zero 99 icon set to a close — and serve as a nostalgic tribute to a series that refuses to stay dead.
A Bittersweet Ending
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While F-Zero 99 hasn’t received a major gameplay update since launch, its seasonal icon rotations have quietly kept the game alive in fan conversations. The style, the branding, the sheer fact that Nintendo even acknowledged F-Zero again — all of it reminded us why the series has a cult following to begin with.
Now that this is confirmed as the “final wave,” it raises questions about whether more F-Zero content is on the horizon — or if this was a short-lived digital celebration before Nintendo moves on.
How to Unlock the Icons
If you’re subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online, you can redeem your Platinum Points for F-Zero 99 icons via the NSO app or the Nintendo Switch home menu. Just navigate to the “Missions & Rewards” section, scroll through the F-Zero collection, and claim your favorites before they expire.
The final wave will be available until May 31, 2025, giving fans just over two weeks to grab them all.
F-Zero 99: A Surprising Revival
Originally launched as a shadow drop in 2023, F-Zero 99 reimagined the high-speed SNES classic as a 99-player online elimination race. It quickly became a fan-favorite among NSO members for its twitchy controls, competitive chaos, and brutal skill ceiling.
Though short on content updates, its core gameplay loop has aged remarkably well — especially among speedrunners and leaderboard climbers. The addition of unlockable profile icons, themed menus, and weekly Grand Prix events helped maintain a small but loyal player base.
Final Thoughts
F-Zero 99 may not be a full revival, but it’s been one of Nintendo Switch Online’s most creative experiments. These final icons are more than flair — they’re a quiet sendoff to a franchise that deserves so much more.
If this really is the end, then F-Zero 99 went out with speed, style, and silence — the way Captain Falcon would want it.
🔗 Related: Read our F-Zero GX retro review for a deep dive into the franchise’s fastest legacy.
