Nintendo Says There Are Currently No Plans For A Virtual Console On Switch

Nintendo recently shared new details for the Nintendo Switch Online service that launches this September, and fans have been wondering if there’s a chance we’ll get a Virtual Console on Switch.

In addition to online play and save data cloud backup, the Nintendo Switch Online service will offer subscribers a compilation of Classic NES games, starting out with a collection of 20 titles. Fans wondered what that means about the possibility of getting a Virtual Console, but unfortunately it doesn’t sound like it’s happening anytime soon according to a message sent to Kotaku from a Nintendo spokesperson:

“There are currently no plans to bring classic games together under the Virtual Console banner as has been done on other Nintendo systems.”

The spokesperson shared more:

“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. 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.”

Lastly, when asked if the Nintendo Switch’s online subscription will add games from other platforms, the Nintendo spokesperson said the company had “nothing to announce on this topic.

That said, keep in mind that it doesn’t mean the Nintendo Switch won’t eventually get a Virtual Console or something alike in the future, but for now it’s been confirmed that there are no plans for it or a similar dedicated brand.