Nintendo had initially planned to bring its Virtual Console service to the Nintendo Switch, but ultimately scrapped the idea in favor of Nintendo Switch Online. Newly leaked emails from iQue reveal that “Clipper,” a codename for the virtual console project, was cancelled in 2017 due to concerns about the cost and complexity of testing each game on multiple platforms.
The original plan for Virtual Console on Switch would have allowed players to purchase and download classic titles directly. However, with the introduction of Nintendo Switch Online, individual games are no longer available for purchase, instead accessible through separate apps only for those with an active membership.
iQue worked closely with M2 on the “Clipper” project, which started development in 2015. The team tested various games, including first-party titles and popular franchises like Final Fantasy and Mega Man. They also explored features like netplay and customizable game speeds.
The decision to cancel “Clipper” was reportedly driven by concerns about the cost of testing each game on multiple platforms. With the shift towards a more modern approach, L-Classics was developed instead, which aimed to ship many titles quickly and at a lower cost while maintaining them in the long run. This approach resulted in the launch of Nintendo Switch Online.
The revelation also sheds light on iQue’s previous work on other Nintendo projects, including a cancelled Wii U GameCube emulator in 2013. More details on this story can be found in LuigiBlood’s post and our coverage of Nintendo Switch Online.
Source: https://nintendoeverything.com/virtual-console-nintendo-switch-cancelled-details