Nintendo had planned to include its virtual console service on the Nintendo Switch, but ultimately replaced it with the Nintendo Switch Online service. Leaked documents from a developer suggest that the company wanted to streamline its game release process and maintenance by opting for the new service.
The switch was originally set to feature a “Clipper” emulator, codenamed as part of a collaboration between iQue and M2. However, the project was cancelled in favour of Nintendo Switch Online. The new service aimed to provide features such as Netplay and shareable emojis, but was ultimately deemed unnecessary due to its complexity.
According to leaked emails, Nintendo’s main goal for choosing Nintendo Switch Online over Virtual Console was to ensure smooth maintenance and long-term support for the console’s emulation library, while also avoiding the need to test extensively on each retro system emulator. This approach allowed developers to avoid lengthy release cycles and customer frustration of repurchasing virtual console releases on new systems.
The decision to ditch Virtual Console has left many gamers nostalgic for the service, which was previously available on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. The switch’s lack of a dedicated virtual console has been a topic of discussion among fans, but remains an unresolved issue with no clear replacement in sight.
Source: https://gamerant.com/nintendo-switch-virtual-console-plans-leak