Hideki Kamiya Advocates for Nintendo Virtual Console Revival Amid Switch Online Debate

Before the era of subscription-based retro gaming with Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo enthusiasts had access to the beloved Virtual Console service.

Debuting on the Wii and later expanding to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U platforms, the Virtual Console allowed users to purchase and own a wide selection of classic games through the Wii Shop Channel and eShop.

This model granted players the flexibility to buy and keep individual titles, a feature many longtime fans continue to praise. The transition from Virtual Console to Nintendo Switch Online introduced a new approach: for an annual or monthly subscription fee, users gain access to an evolving library of NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy classics.

Although this offers a curated catalogue and added value in the form of online play and special features, some members of the gaming community have expressed a preference for the original, a-la-carte purchasing system. Prominent among those advocating for the Virtual Console’s return is Hideki Kamiya, the acclaimed creator of Okami and Bayonetta.

During a recent IGN interview focused on the upcoming Switch 2, Kamiya expressed his personal wish for Nintendo to reboot the Virtual Console.

He stated that, if given the chance, he would directly request Nintendo to bring the service back, highlighting the lasting appeal and demand for direct retro game ownership.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, who was also present during the conversation, kept details regarding the Switch 2 closely guarded, emphasizing that any announcements on the platform would come exclusively from Nintendo. While there is no indication from Nintendo that a Virtual Console comeback is planned, the discussion reflects enduring fan interest in more flexible retro gaming options.

In the current market, Sony’s PlayStation 5 allows players to either subscribe to PlayStation Plus or purchase classic titles—such as PS1 games—individually.

This dual-model strategy has been well-received and often cited by fans as a desirable benchmark for Nintendo. Since its launch, Nintendo Switch Online has expanded its offerings, even integrating Expansion Pack tiers to access Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.

Still, the absence of an a-la-carte ownership option continues to be a sticking point for many retro game collectors and industry veterans alike. As anticipation builds around the rumored Switch 2 hardware, the call for a Virtual Console revival serves as a reminder of Nintendo’s influential legacy in the world of digital game distribution.

Whether Nintendo will revisit its former strategy remains to be seen, but the demand—echoed by figures like Kamiya—remains strong within the gaming community.

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