Ya, VC was clearly profitable. At least for the titles that aren't super niche.
But there's an indirect cost involving a whole host of other factors. Some of which have been listed above. Others which might include replacing sales of other games, particularly those from smaller 3rd party titles, which impacts the market on the supply side to the consumer when less games come, which can ultimately affect reputation, hardware sales, and that in turn affects software sales.
It's always about money at the end of the day, but not always so cut and dry.
Psalms 22:16 (1,000 yrs before Christ)
They pierced My hands and feet
Isaiah 53:5 (700 yrs before Christ)
He was pierced for our transgressions
Zachariah 12:10 (500 yrs before Christ)
They will look on Me whom they pierced
@skywake I’m sure you’re right - it probably wasn’t a simple decision taken purely on the basis of expected profit margins.
I think it’s clear though that some games (largely 1st party ones) were very vey profitable on VC and others were much less so. If your game falls into that category (which is the overwhelming majority) then the question is “is it worth finding out if we even own all of the rights to this game and putting it through Nintendo’s approval process when we only stand to make a few thousand pounds?”.
Even from Nintendo’s own 1st party stuff historically important but terrible games like Soccer, Baseball and Urban Champion can’t have been really worth putting out but the new service gives them a place where they can be accessed and played without the barrier of payment that’s specifically for them.
I finished Tropical Freeze (only have the extras left of collecting all puzzle pieces, hard mode and time trials) in time for next week's Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition. Impressed by how much better it runs than the Wii U version, even handheld mode is more stable than the Wii U version.
I'm beginning to suspect that there may be more to this than meets the eye...
Nintendo initially announced that the Online Service would launch with 'free' NES games (with added online features) - and that they were 'considering' including titles from the SNES library as well...a consideration that now appears to have been dropped.
This makes me wonder whether the NES games might be being used to promote a wider 'premium' subscription service (akin to Xbox Game Pass) - where, for an additional monthly fee, you'll be able to access games from the wider catalog of games (SNES, GBA, N64 etc) on-demand...with, in a sense, the NES games offering a free taster for what you could get by subscribing to 'Nintendo Game Pass'.
I think that it's possible that we could see more than just NES games added to the 'free' service - but my gut feeling is that the majority of platforms will be locked behind an additional paywall...just pure speculation of course, but that's my hunch!
Anything nostalgic can be sold. They have made good money on the heavy hitters. I don't think Nintendo will let games such as ocarina of Time, super Mario 64 or link to the past rot away when they are an easy way to make money.
And in the same interview they also said:
“There are a variety of ways in which classic games from Nintendo and other publishers are made available on Nintendo Switch, such as through Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo eShop or as packaged collections,”
Does that sound like they are never going to do anything outside of NES and SNES titles in the subscription as jaxonH suggested? Or does it sound like titles might show up either as a package or individually? Time will tell if they will release more retro games, but it is basically free money.
I feel Nintendo fans jumps to conclusions far too often. I don't think Nintendo are especially obfuscating, quite often they say exactly what they mean but people add in stuff.
South Park is now at #13 on both the UK and US EShop charts. With Death Road to Canada at #10 on the UK EShop and at #12 on the US EShop with Kirby reappearing at #15 on the UK EShop.
@Therad
I never said the Online Classics is all they would do. Specifically stated those games will be sold via other means, such as mini consoles and collections, and the oddball remastered release.
But yes, that's exactly what it sounds like. It sounds like Online Classics will be the bulk of your retro access on Switch, unless you're lucky enough to see a collection (which are mainly being done by 3rd parties, not Nintendo).
Psalms 22:16 (1,000 yrs before Christ)
They pierced My hands and feet
Isaiah 53:5 (700 yrs before Christ)
He was pierced for our transgressions
Zachariah 12:10 (500 yrs before Christ)
They will look on Me whom they pierced
My Top 10 Games
1. Judgement
2. Baldur's Gate 3
3. Bully (Rockstar)
4. Person 4 / Golden
5. Sonic Adventure 2
6. Xenoblade X
7. Ape Escape 2
8. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
9. James Bond 007 Nightfire
10. Persona 3: Reloaded
Switch Friend Code: SW-5070-3616-4044 | My Nintendo: Aozz101x
I think the re-announcement of The Famicom Mini kind of tells us where VC has gone. Honestly it's not a bad direction. Though I'd love to see "Famicom Mini Pak" sold for Switch owners to get the games without buying the hardware. Much as I love the hardware, I now have 3 consoles hooked up. I don't need another HDMI hogging device to play Ice Climbers.
@Grumblevolcano I remember DKCTF running superbly on WiiU? I haven't opened it on Switch yet, but what did you feel was better?
@YummyHappyPills All different target markets if you ask me. I have no interest in Crash but my kids might. I personally want Wolfenstein over Ys and tbh my money would go to Octopatch lomg before that.
John 8:7 He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.
MERG said:
If I was only ever able to have Monster Hunter and EO games in the future, I would be a happy man.
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