Summary
- Hideki Kamiya supports a revival of the Virtual Console, but it is uncertain due to Nintendo’s focus on Switch Online.
- The Virtual Console was a popular way to purchase older Nintendo games.
- Switch Online now offers a subscription-based alternative for those who want to play classic games on modern hardware.
Hideki Kamiya has commented on Nintendo’s Virtual Console, saying he wants to see the lineup of retro games become available for purchase on the Switch 2. While the likelihood of the Virtual Console returning is somewhat slim, these comments from Kamiya suggest that demand for the classic model of obtaining older Nintendo games on the Switch 2 is present.
Debuting on the Wii in 2006, the Virtual Console provided a selection of classic games from older Nintendo platforms for players to purchase. Following its initial launch, the distribution model came to the 3DS and Wii U in 2011 and 2013, respectively. While not every game could be purchased through the Virtual Console, it provided a way for Nintendo fans to buy many titles from home consoles like the NES, SNES, and N64, along with handhelds such as the Game Boy and GBA. Unfortunately, the Virtual Console was discontinued on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, leaving fans without a way of purchasing many of these classic titles.
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During a recent IGN interview, Hideki Kamiya revealed his love for the Virtual Console model. The topic came up after the developer, famous for games like Okami and Bayonetta, was asked what opinions he had about the Switch 2. In response, Kamiya emphasized his hopes for the return of the Virtual Console. “As a personal comment, I personally would love to see the Virtual Console rebooted,” he said. According to Kamya, he would like to “ask Nintendo” to bring the distribution model back for retro games.
The Shift to a Subscription Model With Nintendo Switch Online
While it is interesting to learn that Kamiya supports the return of the Virtual Console, it seems somewhat unlikely to happen. Nintendo has seemingly shifted away from that distribution model for its older games. Instead, the Japanese company has looked to further the Nintendo Switch Online service. The subscription service has expanded since its inception to include a catalog of classic games from older systems. New games are also added to the service regularly, with Wario Land 4 from the GBA being the latest addition.
As a personal comment, I personally would love to see the Virtual Console rebooted.
It is worth noting that Nintendo Switch Online provides a more cost-effective way of playing a plethora of classic Nintendo games for some users. However, the Virtual Console allowed gamers to own the titles and only purchase one at a time. With NSO, players lose access to the library if they cancel their subscriptions.
It will be interesting to see how the ecosystem for retro games develops on the Switch 2. While details about the console leaked before its official reveal in January, there are still many unknowns about the system. Fortunately, a Switch 2 Direct is coming on April 2, promising many more details about the console, its games, and possibly the services it will provide.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full reveal is pencilled in for April 2, 2025.
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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2025