Hideki Kamiya has allegedly stated that he would prefer Nintendo’s Virtual Console come back, saying that he would just buy the older games again on the Switch 2. Since Nintendo has focused all its efforts on the Switch Online subscription model, Kamiya’s words are proof of ongoing interest in the earlier distribution method.
Virtual Console originally released on the Wii back in 2006 as a way of enabling consumers to download and buy old games from the NES, SNES, and N64 consoles. The service would continue to get releases on the 3DS and Wii U, and would provide support for portable titles for the likes of the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. But ultimately the Virtual Console was phased out on all the consoles, and so the gamers have no access to buy most of those games. Instead, Nintendo just made the switch over to its Switch Online subscription-based service, wherein it offers an expanding library of classic games in exchange for a subscription.
During a recent interview with IGN, Kamiya did comment on the Virtual Console on the next Switch 2. As the director of games like Okami and Bayonetta, the developer continued by stating that he would be open to Nintendo coming back to the model, continuing to state, “As a personal comment, I personally would love to see the Virtual Console rebooted.” The developer also wanted to ask Nintendo something, asking it to alter its approach to releasing classic games.
Even if the return of the Virtual Console is improbable, the lack of this service has angered some gamers. The Switch Online service does provide access to a large number of older games, but the service doesn’t permit customers to purchase and own individual games like it used to with the Virtual Console. Rather, the library is played under a subscription plan, and therefore players will lose their games if they allow their membership to expire.
With Nintendo set to reveal more regarding the Switch 2 on an April 2 Direct, gaming fans might also learn more in the near future regarding how Nintendo will approach bringing classic games over to its future console. As for whether Virtual Console is to return or not, the reaction of Kamiya suggests there are certainly gamers left who do appreciate being able to buy and keep their beloved classics.
