Topic: Where is the Virtual Console that we deserve?

[sweetfeathery]

I really don't understand Nintendo on this one. They have the ability to release the GBA library, GameCube library, and even Wii games on its V/C yet were lucky if we get something one release from them on the V/C on a monthly basis! When the 3DS dropped in price Nintendo had V/C games released for the early investors as part of their ambassadors program... those games included Game Boy Advance games yet to this day not a single Game Boy Advance game is on the Virtual Console. What are they waiting for? Does it not bother them that anyone who wants to play some of Nintendo's classic games has to resort to buying pre-owned copies?
Here are some examples:


Fire Emblem on the Game Boy Advance can be found on ebay pre owned for an average cost of 29.99.
Zelda the Minish Cap can be found on ebay from 18 to 38 dollars.
Meteroid Zero Mission goes anywhere from 25 dollars to 60 dollars.
Mario and Luigi Super Star Saga I found from 5 to 81 dollars.


I am sure that some would argue that Game Boy Advance games can easily be emulated or still be found cartridge alone for relatively cheap. For me, I would much rather prefeer being able to repurchase these games from the 3ds Eshop for 8 dollars a piece. The alternative is playing on old hardware that is locked away in a closet and buying the games pre owned where Nintendo will not see a dime from the sales.
Also, after now playing more of Wind Waker HD, I would really like to be able to go back and play GameCube games again. I know some people will make the point of "Go fetch your GameCube then." My problem is that my monitors only have VGA/HDMI ports, and due to little siblings, some of those Gamecube games I had are not in the best of shape. It would be so convenient for me if Nintendo would just have the GameCube section on the Wii U eshop already... My wallet is ready!

[smallsharkbigbite]

We talk about Nintendo's business practices a lot. One of the recurring themes is Nintendo wants to focus on quality over quantity. They use a similar approach on vc as well. They think if they release 15-25 good games from the past in a year that it should be good enough for you. Most people won't buy that much vc games anyway. Plus they've never wanted to sell 3rd party games so they are not going to work hard at getting those games on the system.

I don't know what the Wii vc profits were but I'm guessing they weren't terribly high to make it a priority. I think right now Nintendo is focused on pushing gameplay functionality and working on new original titles to try and push consumer interest. They are treating the vc the same as they did last gen so I have little hope it will change.

[Nile Boogie Returns]

At the very least every VC title thats available for the Wii should also be on the eShop for Wii U. As much as I want GC support, which should be easy from the standpoint that a GameCube > Wii > Wii U.  I just want Gamecube games. That is all. is that too much to ask. GameCube on the GamePad!

[UncleBob]

I don't understand Nintendo and their Virtual Console plans either.

If I were in charge, there'd be one emulator for each system pre-loaded on the Wii U/3DS.  Then, anyone (any company, whatsoever) who wants to re-release their game simply needs to provide a ROM dump - they don't have to optimize anything - it'd just run with the emulator.  If there's an individual ROM that has issues with the emulator, then update the emulator.  This has worked for roughly 15 years or more on the PC, I don't see why Nintendo feels the need to pack a specialized emulator for every single game download.

[Phil]

One game on each system, if we're lucky, is an absolute joke. I don't understand how easy or hard it is to emulate games, but we definitely shouldn't have to wait for ten years to get everything that was offered on Wii. At least that's how long it will take at this release rate.

[Mop it up]

The only way I'd buy VC games is if they added in netplay, like what PC emulators have.

[BlackNMild2k1]

If they want to update the games at a premium, that's fine, but they should still release all the games that have already come out for the service on other systems, and then offer the upgrades (at a premuim if need be) when they are available in 2023.

Nintendo wonders why they aren't making any money. They are acting like they are allergic to it. We need games to play. We have money to spend and no games to spend them on. Feed our collective habits with cheap old games to fill the void that spans between all the major releases. This is literally the one thing Nintendo has over the other two competitors in the console game and they ignore it like it doesn't exist. They almost deserve to fail.

We should be building upon what was created last gen, not trying to reinvent it for the sake of reinventing it. A single updateable emulator for each system should have been the plan from the start. It would also help with Nintendo's SLOW ASS download speeds. (10-15 minutes to download Super Mario Bros!? really Nintendo? I could recode the game from scratch in almost the same time, that's ridiculous... <both that I could code anything and that a download that small should take more than a few seconds>) WTF is Nintendo/Iwata doing over there?

and while I'm venting, can they please let NOA & NOE work autonomously!? Put someone competent in charge and let them handle their own regions with the care that only someone in that region can do. That goes from studio acquisition/partnership, game creation, marketing and localisation.
They can still run it by the Head Honcho, but as long as they are operating withing their budgets and in the best interest of the company, NOJ shouldn't be trying to run the entire ship, because they are running it straight into the ground.

Retro needs some freedoms, NST needs the leash loosened up some and NOA needs more US studios to work with.
NOE needs a new Rare (a retro of their own even) and a few other studios to manage.
Let right this ship and get back to the game making business and the money making business.
But you gotta spend money to make money and Nintendo has been trying for far too long not to spend any money but to keep raking it in. It's time to make some investments, gamble a little with previous winnings and plan for a future independent of outside support when it's not freely available.
[/rant]

damn that felt good.


edit: and can they update the damn Netflix app on Wii U to finally support Profiles!!! Fucking up my recent watched and suggestions. ****!!!


 
now I feel better.

[Kytim89]

I would settle for a Nintendo version Playstation Now that plays Virtual Console games. Although I would imagine that Nintendo would screw that up as well.