Revive Classic Gaming on Switch 2: Why Nintendo Must Relaunch Virtual Console
The Frustrating State of Nintendo’s Online Gaming Service
Nintendo’s Switch Online service has been a love-hate experience for many gamers. While it was initially a welcome convenience, the service has grown increasingly frustrating over time. As the only console maker that still charges monthly fees for access to classic games, Nintendo’s model is starting to feel outdated.
A Brief History of Downloadable Console Games
The concept of downloadable console games is not new. The Virtual Console standard was pioneered by Nintendo in 2006 with the launch of the Wii and later followed by PlayStation 1 classics on PSP and PlayStation 3. Xbox’s "originals" were also introduced on Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. The idea was to offer a convenient and affordable way for gamers to access classic games on modern consoles.
The Switch Online Experience
Switch Online was initially a great idea, offering a library of classic NES games for just $20 a year. However, the service has since expanded to include larger libraries of games, including SNES, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis titles, for an increasingly higher annual price of $50. The latest addition is a tiered library of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games, for a total of over 200 games across three generations of consoles and handhelds.
The Flawed Nintendo Approach
The problem with Nintendo’s approach is that it feels like a rental system rather than a purchase. Instead of buying games outright, users must pay an annual fee to access a library of classic titles. This model is not only frustrating for gamers but also raises questions about their ownership of the games they purchase.
Why Nintendo Should Change its Approach
Other publishers, such as Capcom and Konami, have shown that it is possible to sell great anthologies of old games on Switch. Some have even partnered with companies like Digital Eclipse to add extra features and bonuses to these collections. Instead of relying on a subscription-based model, Nintendo could consider selling these games a la carte or offering a one-time purchase option.
A Better Way Forward
The good news is that Nintendo can change its approach with the upcoming Switch 2. Chris Kohler, a former Kotaku editor, suggests that Nintendo could sell these games instead of offering a subscription service. He argues that the existence of a subscription service does not preclude the possibility of selling games individually. It’s time for Nintendo to rethink its approach and give gamers what they want: the ability to own and play classic games without being nickel-and-dimed.
What’s Next for Nintendo?
Only time will tell if Nintendo has evolved its approach. With the upcoming release of Switch 2 later this year, gamers will be watching closely to see if the company will finally offer a better way to access classic games. Will we see a change in direction, or will Nintendo continue to stick to its subscription-based model? Only time will tell.
