In the wake of Nintendo announcing more concise details on their paid online service, a vital piece of information provided to publication Kotaku by a Nintendo spokesperson stated that “there are currently no plans to bring classic games together under the Virtual Console banner as has been done on other Nintendo systems.” This has left many confused, saddened and above all else, frustrated at the situation. However, there are a number of scenarios that could factor in just what could happen next for those wanting to play classic Nintendo titles on their Switch.
Free titles with the online service
The paid online service will provide users with 20 NES games at launch, a small consolation prize considering Nintendo have been re-selling these titles since the Virtual Console first launched along with the Wii back in 2006. However, this could open the window for Nintendo to put more titles out in the future from the SNES, Nintendo 64, and maybe even the GameCube and Wii/Wii U.
The Minis line
Nintendo has made a pretty penny with their NES and SNES Mini systems, albeit with major stock issues. However, it can be suggested that Nintendo are aiming for consumers to buy these products, especially the SNES Mini, which isn’t even a year old yet. They may well be holding off on SNES titles and beyond to push this hardware. The rumours about a patent for a Nintendo 64 controller icon further point to an N64 Mini being released in the near future.
Rebranding away from the Wii
Another possibility to be explored from the quote is that Nintendo are simply retiring the name rather than the actual system behind it. It is clear that the Wii motif that Nintendo had for years is being phased out in order to focus on the Switch, likely due to how poorly the Wii U performed during its life-cycle. It also explains the abundance of Wii U ports that Nintendo have had in their line up since the Switch launched back in March 2017.
So, what are my thoughts on what’ll happen next? I’ll reserve any comments until after E3, as it’s possible that more details are given during their video presentation on June 12th. We’ll be sure to cover that when it happens.
By HW Reynolds
Images Provided by Nintendo
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