Following the release of more information about the Switch’s upcoming online services, Nintendo has confirmed that the Virtual Console is not coming to home console-portable hybrid system.
“There are currently no plans to bring classic games together under the Virtual Console banner as has been done on other Nintendo systems,” said a Nintendo spokesperson in an email to Kotaku last night.
While some have taken this statement to indicate that Nintendo has no plans to bring retro, classic games to the Switch, that likely won’t be the case. Every Nintendo console, whether it’s the 3DS, Wii U or Wii, has featured some sort of branded shop with a selection of NES, Super Nintendo and in some cases Nintendo 64 games.
It’s likely that the Virtual Console will return in some form, but under a different name.
“There are a variety of ways in which classic games from Nintendo and other publishers are made available on Nintendo Switch, such as through Nintendo Entertainment System — Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo eShop or as packaged collections,” continued Nintendo in the statement.
“Nintendo Entertainment System — Nintendo Switch Online will provide a fun new way to experience classic NES games that will be different from the Virtual Console service, thanks to enhancements such as added online play, voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online app and the various play modes of Nintendo Switch.”
Rumours circulated prior to the Switch’s launch that the console could include GameCube titles in its version of the Virtual Console. While Nintendo still hasn’t confirmed that GameCube era titles are coming to the Switch, it’s likely they’ll make an appearance during the Japanese gaming giant’s E3 presentation this year.
Nintendo recently announced that the Switch’s paid online services platform will launch this September and that they’ll also include access to 20 NES titles.
Source: Kotaku
