Nintendo has always held a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. The company’s commitment to preserving its classic titles is evident through various services, most notably the Virtual Console. This platform allowed players to purchase and download their favorite first-party retro games, fostering a nostalgic experience that many gamers cherished. However, with the advent of the Nintendo Switch, the model shifted dramatically to the Switch Online subscription service, which introduced a tiered library of retro games. While this change was met with excitement, it also stirred disillusionment among die-hard fans who reminisced about the convenience and accessibility of Virtual Console.
Recent leaks have illuminated Nintendo’s initial plans for the Switch, suggesting that the company had envisioned a revival of the Virtual Console—dubbed “Clipper.” According to Yakumono’s Blog, these findings stem from a leak of iQue emails, indicating that development started around 2015. The project was purportedly a collaborative effort between iQue, M2, and possibly other teams like NERD. The intention behind Clipper was to deliver a refreshed Virtual Console experience, seamlessly integrating online functionality while retaining the charm of the original service.
One particularly enticing aspect of the Clipper project was the promise of delivering a free monthly game to Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscribers. This notion of a subscription-based model offering monthly retro additions was initially outlined in Nintendo’s promotional materials. The excitement surrounding this potential continues to resonate with many fans who find themselves yearning for the days when they could easily purchase and enjoy their beloved titles. Instead, as time progressed, this initial plan morphed into a model where subscribers gained access to a selection of classic titles that were not exclusively theirs to own.
In addition to the fundamental framework of Clipper, reports reveal intriguing features that could have enhanced the retro gaming experience. Special animations and effects, such as simulating the “TV noise” of CRT televisions, were on the table. There was also a desire to incorporate online netplay, a feature that would have expanded multiplayer options for classic games—an aspect that could have breathed new life into old favorites. However, by May 2017, development on Clipper stalled, paving the way for the current retro game model associated with Switch Online, which many fans believe lacks the depth and engagement offered by Virtual Console.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on Nintendo’s retro gaming trajectory, one can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and regret for what might have been. While the Switch Online service offers a range of classic games, it does not quite replicate the same fervor or sentiment as the virtual storefront that preceded it. The Clipper project’s demise showcases how close Nintendo came to reviving the cherished Virtual Console experience. The ongoing allure of retro gaming, coupled with a commitment to innovation, suggests that there may still be hope for a reimagined service in the future—one that caters to both nostalgia and modern gaming preferences. For fans, the question remains: will we ever see the ideal fusion of old and new that could reignite that love for retro gaming?