For gamers like me who have been around for quite some time, the most enticing aspect of Nintendo Switch 2’s debut offerings isn’t Mario Kart World; instead, it’s the GameCube library that has been long-awaited. After over two decades, Nintendo has chosen to open its vaults and transfer some of the GameCube’s most cherished games onto a contemporary console. This marks the first time these games have been officially available since their initial release.
For some people, the enthusiasm for GameCube titles was soon dampened when they realized that only three were initially available – the smallest collection any Switch Online library has debuted with. This slow release may seem frustrating, but it’s a deliberate approach on Nintendo’s part, and it took me quite a while to grasp and value its advantages.
The slow pace at which Nintendo re-releases its classic titles is not unique to the Switch Online service; it has been a deliberate approach since Nintendo launched its own digital storefront with the Wii Shop. Ever since the Wii’s launch, they have been positioning their digital shop as a hub for classics, allowing players to easily purchase and play their favorite Nintendo games from yesteryear along with new releases on one system. By the end of the Wii’s life, over 400 classic titles had found their way onto the Wii Shop, giving Wii owners access to a rich library of beloved games from previous years.
Initially, things weren’t as promising. Although some older games were accessible immediately upon its release, the initial selection left a lot to be desired. The Wii Shop, when it first began, had fewer than a dozen titles from Nintendo itself, most of which were retro Nintendo Entertainment System games dating back to the 80s and 90s. If you were hoping to replay a favorite like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, you were out of luck; the only Nintendo 64 game available at first was Super Mario 64, with more N64 games not becoming accessible for several months after that.
On the Wii U, the slow stream of games felt incredibly frustrating, especially considering that for the past six years, a decent library of Virtual Console games had been accumulated on the Wii. However, when Nintendo launched the Wii U eShop, they essentially started over by making the existing Virtual Console lineup incompatible with the GamePad controller. As a result, Nintendo chose to create new versions of these games exclusively for the Wii U system, forcing them to rebuild their retro game collection from the ground up once again.
As a dedicated fan, I appreciate how Nintendo addressed the inconvenience that came with the transition from Wii to Wii U. They provided an option for us, the users, to transfer our system data, including our Virtual Console collection, to the new console, sparing us from purchasing our games again. The Wii Shop was still accessible on the Wii U, albeit tucked away in a separate menu. However, games purchased from it or transferred over lived within a distinct user interface and couldn’t utilize Wii U features like off-TV play. But what truly stood out for me was Nintendo’s thoughtful gesture. If I had previously bought a Virtual Console game on the Wii, they allowed me to upgrade to the Wii U version at a nominal cost.
Although these steps were appreciated, they were again weakened by Nintendo’s gradual release pace. The Wii U eShop initially had only eight Virtual Console games, with Super NES launch title Super Mario World being the most prominent. It took several more months before other popular games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Metroid became available on the platform, and N64 games didn’t appear until two years later. However, as the Wii U struggled to gain popularity, Nintendo increased its release rate, eventually offering Game Boy Advance, DS, and even Wii titles. This expanded the eShop’s collection of Nintendo classics beyond what the Wii Shop ever had. Nevertheless, the limited initial selection, combined with the frequent software shortages on the Wii U, made waiting for a specific game unbearable.
Based on Nintendo’s past actions, it wasn’t surprising that they carried forward this approach with the Switch. The introduction of the Switch Online service marked a change in how they distribute their classic games; instead of selling each game individually on the eShop, they now provide subscribers access to a continually expanding collection for a subscription fee. However, despite the new delivery method, the rate at which these games are being released remains as slow.
Initially, those who embraced the Nintendo Switch had to be patient, as it took until 2018 for the online service to debut – a year after the console was initially released. At launch, the service exclusively offered NES games, with SNES and Game Boy libraries being added gradually over subsequent years. Finally, in 2021, a higher-tier Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan emerged, granting access to N64, Sega Genesis, and eventually Game Boy Advance titles as well.
Despite some annoyance over Nintendo’s gradual release strategy during the Switch era, their tactics have become more apparent and advantageous. For instance, Nintendo tends to fill gaps in their release schedule with remastered or classic games. While new titles are regularly added to the Switch Online service, they strategically introduce a highly popular game when there’s a lack of fresh content for the console. This keeps users entertained even during periods of fewer releases. Additionally, the wait between releases is less frustrating when you have access to a variety of other games in your library to enjoy in the meantime. For example, a lesser-known title like Devil World may not seem appealing enough to warrant a $5 purchase, but it becomes more enticing when it’s included as part of a subscription service that you already pay for.
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Essentially, what sets Nintendo apart is its deliberate pace in releasing games, allowing players to fully immerse themselves and appreciate each title’s classic qualities. In today’s gaming landscape, where there are countless games to choose from (and the rise of subscription services offering access to them), many publishers and platform holders tend to view gaming as fleeting entertainment. By flooding their audience with choices, these companies indirectly encourage players to merely try a game before moving onto the next one. The abundance of options means few players actually finish a game before they’re drawn to another. In contrast, by distributing only a few legacy games each month, Nintendo presents each as a significant release, giving players enough time to savor it before more arrive.
For GameCube games, unlike NES and SNES titles that can typically be finished within a few hours, N64 and GameCube games are more complex and lengthy, similar to modern games. They often require a substantial amount of time investment, sometimes even over 20 hours to complete. This spacing apart by Nintendo is beneficial for players as it allows them to immerse themselves in the gameplay. While I eagerly anticipate revisiting Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance after two decades when it eventually becomes available on the service, I’ve enjoyed taking my time to fully explore The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, which is currently the only single-player adventure in Switch Online’s GameCube library.
Even though it may be frustrating to keep waiting for a beloved game to become available, Nintendo’s strategic approach to releasing classics has its advantages. By doling out these legacy games slowly, Nintendo allows players the chance to thoroughly explore and cherish them, maintaining the mystery and excitement around their arrival. Compared to other publishers, Nintendo recognizes the worth of its extensive back catalog and treats it with the respect and care these titles demand. Furthermore, unlike on Wii and Wii U, there’s no scarcity of alternative games to engage fans while they eagerly anticipate their favorite classic’s arrival.
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2025-06-13 23:09