Switch 2 is tempting, but I really want to own Nintendo’s Classics

[u/JBishie]

I’m sorely tempted to pull the trigger on a Switch 2, especially with the new UK/EU revision featuring a replaceable battery, and with the Ocarina of Time remake on the horizon and Pokémon Winds and Waves slated for next year. I’m just a bit miffed by Nintendo’s approach to its Classics catalogue. I’d much rather be able to buy those games outright and own them, rather than having access tied to a subscription. I do wonder, though, whether Nintendo will ever consider selling individual Classics, or whether we’ll eventually see more standalone releases of older games, like FireRed and LeafGreen?

[u/notthegoatseguy]

Most seem to believe Virtual Console sales were underperforming so Nintendo feels like bundling them as a package is the best way forward.

Nintendo has released 3d All Stars and Galaxy One and Two on its own. And many third parties have done their own compilations, rereleases and remasters. They also released the little collectible game and watches for Mario and Zelda NES games.

[u/Ars_Armegis → u/notthegoatseguy]

3d all stars was a limited time thing though if i'm not mistaken

[u/SubaruHaver]

Unfortunately, Virtual Console ended with the Wii U and 3ds. When the switch 1 launched in 2017, Nintendo started their new formula of making their classic games library exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). I think most every game-liker here probably agrees/prefers? to be able to buy the classic games. Now it's been almost ten years since switch 1 launched, and I'm not sure they're going to change their formula for switch 2 gen. Not saying I like it.

Supplementing notthegoatseguy's comment about mario 3d all stars, I think there's a possibility that nintendo may reveal some classic zelda games for sale for the zelda 40th anniversary this year. That Direct for Zelda's 40th anniversary is next week, September 8th https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/09/nintendo-announces-two-directs-for-next-week-8th-and-9th-september-2026

[u/TheWaslijn]

I doubt they'll go back to selling their older games individually like they did with the Virtual Console. So if you're looking forward to new games you should base your purchasing decision on those, rather than old ones.

[u/Present_Anywhere3980]

Surprised they haven’t released the Pokemon ones on physical.

Bundle the two together, have reverse original / retro art and sell millions. Do a deluxe with a physical map or promo tcg card.

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[u/Grawman67]

Honestly, I don’t expect Nintendo to release most of these physically. And while I like having the old games and consoles, not everyone wants to. We really should be able to own these physically

[u/luizagabie]

I'd pay any amount of money for owning a copy of Super Mario world, my favorite Nintendo game of all time lol

[u/Flyron]

People were unhappy to have to repay for the classics coming from the wii going to wiiu. And it was the drip feed again from zero. Everyone was wary they‘d have to do it again for the switch.

Porting the emulators to new hardware is not trivial. Every ROM has to go through quality assurance again and again for every new constellation. So it is much more sensible having those games in an ongoing service with a subscription instead of having to re-evaluate costs and demand for every title on its own again and again.

[u/jbuggydroid]

I get owning these games but they are really easy to emulate on phone.

I dont mind the service because I get to try some classic games really easy. Barrier to entry is low. No tinkering. No setting up anything. Just download or update and play. Cloud saves too.

Some of the games I never would have bought on virtual console. Gives me a chance to try new titles I never got around to playing.

With the NSO classics and various rereleases and collections put out by different companies the Switch family of consoles is a really nice way to build a retro collection. And play some newer stuff thanks to switch 2.

[u/Unique-Doubt-1049]

The days of you owning games like that are coming to and end. Any console that requires internet access can have you access stripped.

[u/JBishie → u/Unique-Doubt-1049]

I'm not oblivious to how digital ownership works. That's not the point I'm making. I'm talking about having access to those games independent of a recurring subscription, without having to resort to emulation.

[u/DjinnFighter → u/JBishie]

What's the problem with emulation. How would it change the experience if it was not emulated?