Recent leaks from developer iQue have shed light on a fascinating piece of Nintendo history: the Nintendo Switch was initially planned to include the beloved Virtual Console emulator. Virtual Console, which debuted on the Wii and was later available on the Wii U and 3DS, allowed users to access a robust library of retro games via emulation. However, Nintendo ultimately discontinued the service in 2019 for the Wii and in 2023 for the Wii U and 3DS, opting instead to provide retro gaming through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service.
What the Leaks Reveal
The leaked documents, shared by gaming preservation enthusiast LuigiBlood, reveal that a Switch Virtual Console—codenamed “Clipper”—was in development as early as 2015. The project, a collaboration between iQue (a developer bought by Nintendo in 2013) and emulation specialists M2, aimed to revolutionize retro gaming on the Switch.
The Clipper project proposed innovative features such as:
- Netplay for up to four players: A unique mode that allowed controller hand-offs every 30 seconds.
- Enhanced communication tools: Shareable emojis and quick preset messages like “thx,” “sry,” and “cya.”
- Detailed CRT TV emulation: A mode that meticulously replicated the buzzing and visuals of retro televisions.
However, Nintendo ultimately scrapped Clipper in favor of “L-Classics,” which became the Nintendo Switch Online platform.
Why Nintendo Chose Nintendo Switch Online Over Virtual Console
According to the leaked emails, several key factors influenced Nintendo’s decision to pivot away from Virtual Console:
- Streamlined Development: Testing individual retro system emulators for each new platform was resource-intensive under the Virtual Console model. Nintendo Switch Online allowed for a more scalable approach, enabling smoother transitions across hardware generations.
- Consistent User Experience: Developers wanted to address a common complaint—users having to repurchase the same games on each new console. By bundling retro games into a subscription model, Nintendo avoided this issue entirely.
- Faster Releases: Nintendo Switch Online enabled the company to release retro games on a more regular schedule while maintaining long-term support for its emulation library.
The Legacy of Virtual Console
Despite the advantages of Nintendo Switch Online, many fans still miss the Virtual Console’s straightforward purchase model and expansive library. The absence of certain beloved titles from the subscription service has left some gamers longing for the old system.
While Nintendo Switch Online has proven successful, the leaked plans for Clipper offer a glimpse of what could have been—a modern reimagining of Virtual Console with features that could have elevated retro gaming to new heights.
The debate over Nintendo’s retro gaming strategy continues, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Virtual Console is not easily forgotten.