The Virtual Console won't be coming to Nintendo Switch

Nintendo revealed its big plans for the Switch’s premium online service which will bring Cloud saves and other helpful tools the Switch has been sorely missing. However, Virtual Console is not part of the package, nor will it ever be, according to Nintendo.

Kotaku confirmed with Nintendo that the Virtual Console will not be bringing retro games to Switch as it has done in the past with the 3DS, Wii and Wii U. The Switch will not have a dedicated section just for classic games.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Nintendo is dropping its retro favorites entirely, however. Classic games just won’t all be tied together under the united Virtual Console banner. They’ll instead be available for you to pick and choose as part of the new Switch Online service, or in their own independent collections.

“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,” a Nintendo representative told Kotaku. “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.”

Indeed, the company did announce that 20 NES games will be available at the start of the online service, including fan favorites like Super Mario Bros. and the Legend of Zelda.

Will you be missing the Virtual Console, or are you excited to see what Nintendo has in store for its classic games library?