The Nintendo Switch is an undeniable success. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how well the system is selling, i is likely well in its way to reaching its 20 million solid goal. People love the Switch, but one of it's most highly anticipated features still has yet to make an appearance: Virtual Console. Unfortunately, it seems it won't be making an appearance.
A Nintendo spokesperson said in an official statement that “There are currently no plans to bring classic games together under the Virtual Console banner as has been done on other Nintendo systems.”
The general feeling coming off of this is that while this may be the end of "Virtual Console" as a brand, Nintendo certainly does not seem ready to drop older games from the Switch.
“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,” the Nintendo spokesperson said. “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.”
It looks like Nintendo may be ready to rebrand their classic games already with titles like Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online as well as the Arcade Archive games. All this may kick up a storm in the short-term, but the Switch seems likely to succeed without a single, unified classic game umbrella.
