
As of yet, Nintendo has yet to announce any plans for the Virtual Console on the Switch, making the chances of it ever appearing narrower by the day. Given that the Classic microconsoles are still in production and there’s a Netflix-like NES game collection that’ll come out with the online service next year, there’s a good chance that Nintendo simply phased out the Virtual Console entirely. Even so, that isn’t stopping some companies from bringing old games to the new system.
Naps Team recently revealed that it’ll be bringing Gekido Kintaro’s Revenge to the Switch “soon”, though it hasn’t specified whether this will be a straight port or a remaster. Gekido Kintaro’s Revenge is a beat ‘em up that saw a release on the Game Boy Advance back in 2002. It’s a bit of a strange arrival to be sure, but we’ll be interested to see if this kickstarts a new wave of retro releases. Or maybe Nintendo will finally get its act together with the Virtual Console?

What do you think? Will you be getting this? Had you heard of this game until now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 72
Aw this got my hopes up. Not bad news, but would love to play my GBA games from 3DS Ambassador and Wii U on the Netflix style service. Moreso than SNES or NES at this point.
I want KuruKuru Kururin on Switch
Nintendo's VC support has been a massive missed opportunity. As much as I love the big N, I don't see them ever giving it the attention they did in its Wii days. I'd love to be wrong.
Why does the article seem so hard pressed to say there will be no VC on Switch? Can't we at least wait and see what happens with the delayed paid online?
Switchboy. That's what I think when I see the GBA.
Nintendo really needs to comment on why they have not put out any VC content other than weekly tg16 drops on wiiu. I really detest the idea of a Netflix style VC service mostly being I don't have a internet connection at home so without a stable connection of lose access to content. As far as the mini consoles are concerned I personally don't think they are worth it. Looking over the list of both nes and snes minis I'm only interested in only a handful of titles but there are plenty of others id like to have but are not on either.
Just give me the VC already...
Honestly, I hope that the days of buying individual VC games off the eShop are finished. A Netflix-style service would be much better if done well enough and would actually result in me potentially playing more VC games than I otherwise would have. Will be interesting to see what happens once the paid online service is finally ready.
I don't say this very often, but that game looks terrible...and I love the GBA. So much repetitive music, the hit box seems off, there's so many things. Eek. Maybe a remake would fare better.
Honestly, I don't even care if Nintendo does a virtual console at this point. Even if they do, this will be what, the third, fourth time we can buy the same old tired releases? No thanks. A subscription service for classic games? No thanks. There's too many games on the Switch to play already. Plus, they'll never be able to bring over titles that people want anyway. Licensing restrictions, defunct third-parties, third parties not on board, building out the emulator for each game, etc, etc. Bleh.
I hope they remake this game soon, would gladly play it again in HD on Switch. This game is basically Double Dragon but follows the Metroidvania style of progression instead of level by level like the countless other beat em ups.
I don't understand. Did the virtual console not make them money?
We just need to bide our time,it's coming soon. Does anyone honestly believe Nintendo are going to include NES games with the subscription and just leave it at that? Will it be delivered in the same way as before or as expansive as it was, even on Wii U? I don't think it will but it's coming soon in some form or another, that's a certainty.
For me, the VC has already started anyway with the Neo Geo, Psikyo and Irem Arcade releases. I'm much more interested in playing arcade classics that I've never played than the same Nintendo classics for the umpteenth time. GameCube VC would excite me, as would having Yoshi's Island on my Switch but that's about it. The thought of classic Capcom, Namco and SEGA arcade games is a much more exciting prospect.
@rjejr It's seems very likely that VC will be very different and probably completely rethought and revamped when Nintendo brings their classic library to Switch. It's not unlikely that the branding is going to change as well.
Too lazy to emulate, Nintendo?
The virtual console or something like it, supporting games up to GBA and Gamecube era is my #1 want for the Switch. I continue to argue the the Switch's hybrid nature makes it the perfect machine for retro content and the lack of a VC on the Switch has actually made me resent the mini-consoles. I understand that not everyone agrees, but to me, having all those games on a system I can play on the TV or on the go would be a literal dream come true, something I have wanted for over 20 years.
I've never heard of this game, before now and I'll probably pass on it. With that being said, I'm surprised we haven't heard anything solid on Nintendo's VC. If they're taking their sweet time, then they might be doing something special, like the rumored subscription service. Or they're just busy with other things and for some reason haven't made the Virtual Console as a top priority. Either way I hope it doesn't get drip fed like every other time.
Why are folk moaning about virtual console? To me, it looks like more and more companies are bringing classic games to Switch. So, we are getting a really nice stream of classics as opposed to being drip fed. What's to moan about? Virtual console was just a brand for retro games guys, it's not like you actually had a virtual console lol. The arcade games are coning faster than ever. Who cares if it's not Nintendo releasing them! I'm sure it's only a matter of time before SNES games arrive...again.
Bad news VC lovers, this was before he deleted the tweet. Hopefully it's the Wii thing and not Switch.

If I can just get Zero Mission and Fusion on the Switch then I should be good.
I still have NDS Lite to play GBA games, so i don't need to worry about GBA games.
Just buy GBA games from Playasia or Ebay or any Online Shop, plug in GBA or NDS Lite, play it, enjoy it.
My solution would be a "unified" Virtual Console. For example the way things are currently I can't get Double Dragon 3 on my 3ds but I can on wiiu. With the VC unified the exclusivity would be gone and I could purchase any and all nes titles across Wii, wiiu and 3ds the same with gameboy, snes etc.
Never heard of this game but judging from the YouTube video, it looks like a GBA hidden gem?
Never‘ve been too fussed about VC on past consoles but the Switch‘s portability aspect has made me really interested in replaying the classics (and beyond) on the system. They‘d massively lose money from me if they go with a Netflix-style service because god knows I‘d be buying VC titles like a mad man. Oh well, saves me the mones lol.
@tsm7 Maybe it did... but only a handful of titles were responsible for the vast majority of the profits. If all anyone (except a tiny hardcore) buys on VC is Mario World, a Link to the Past and Super Metroid then why go to the effort necessary to release Plok or the Starfy games? Especially when doing so chokes some of the life out of the indie scene.
I don’t think it’s dead and gone but I think rethinking how to sell old games makes sense. A ‘NESflix’ service, bundling games with mini consoles (I still want them to go though Nintendo!) or curated collections that put key titles in a broader context like the MM legacy collections might make more sense.
A Nintendo legacy collection series with half a dozen games bundled every other month but all of the trimmings like box art and interviews etc. included might be preferable for instance. As part of such a service I’d definitely buy games I’d never otherwise touch.
i want final fantasy 6 gba
I'm actually quite glad Nintendo have been useless with the VC since the early days of the Wii. It has driven me to buy original consoles and Everdrives (and a modded GC), so I now have access to pretty much every game ever released for every Nintendo console except the VB. I never have to worry about what they decide to release or not release on the VC ever again. And I never have to worry if they release the crappy 50Hz PAL games either, which let's face it, they probably still will at some point.
I could see them doing the Netflix type VC.... Where you can select the game with the internet connection and download the game. Only needing to verify the game by simply reconnecting to the internet every month or so. VC games aren't that big, and can really be great, maybe a discounted price to buy the game from the VC to have it forever. And maybe add online modes to old games, like how it said.... Or vaugly said.
It would be cool if Nintendo could release the NES and SNES classic mini games on a cartridge, for physical Games, it would be good.
@tsm7 Honestly, I don't think it made as much as some of the VC diehards seem to believe. I personally doubt traditional VC offerings on the Switch will turn much profit so may be why Nintendo is in no rush to assign resources to it.
Plus they love their secrecy and all. And with what has been a great year so far for the Switch honestly I couldn't care less about VC.
Some people just obsess above it the past way too much.
Never heard of that game but the soundtrack is really good so I'm pickin that up
@GameOtaku are you a caveman?
FireRed port please
I think the Big N ideliberately delaying VC is a good move because it allows the EShop and Indie titles to shine and gain popularity.
They want to bring on and support as many developers as possible because their own titles out sell everything else, which only frustrates the developers.
And it's working. There are tonnes of quality titles and some are selling very well.
GBA games on Switch you say? Please, please release DOUBLE DRAGON ADVANCE. Would be an awesome one-two punch with the original Technos arcade DOUBLE DRAGON imminent for an Arcade Archive switch release. The GBA version might even be 'the' pinnacle form of this legendary beat-em up.
I would love to see GC and Wii VC games released on cartridges as well. Nintendo will make a killing selling their best games of yesteryear rendered natively in 720p/1080p resolution at AU$30-$40 a pop.
@JaxxDuffer : That's an excellent point and one that hadn't occurred to me. It makes no difference to me, however, as I'm not particularly interested in the majority of indie games, however I will splurge on VC titles whenever they arrive.
Well, this is cool to see.
Seriously though, Nintendo needs to officially support ALL its old consoles and systems, including the likes of Game & Watch, Virtual Boy and even its various arcade games, via some kind of proper Virtual Console. It will be a huge missed opportunity on Nintendo's part if it doesn't actually do this imo.
I heard Rhythm Tengoku Arcade is next.
Just kidding, you will be able to buy Mario Bros NES for €7
That game rings a bell, or at least I remember seeing images of it in magazines of the time.
@retro_player_22 i dont understand why Nintendo has abandoned VC
I'm certain VC of some kind will come to Switch. It's just a matter of when.
It may never get a sequel, so I'd take a port of something in the Advance Wars series!
Switch would be ideal for virtual console so I hope it's coming soon. Playing VC games on the go would be great fun.
@LittleLion And hopefully a little cheaper as well. Those prices on Wiiware were a bit much. Especially for games most people who wanted them already own. How many times are people going to pay $5 for SM or $8 for SMW?
Handsome game.
Hoping to see more GBA treasures returning.
@GravyThief I've always been an original console kind of guy, so I'm with you that I already have access to most every Nintendo game. However, it would still be nice for my absolute favorites to be able to purchase to have on the go. Not that I didn't already do that with my 3DS...
Interesting. Didn't know the GBA had any beat'em ups.
This is just another nail on VC's coffin. Face it ppl, is death.
Nintendo don't want attention drawn away from actual Switch games. VC will come. When they feel like it!
Nintendo should roll out a Virtual Console. And they should start by making VC games bought on Wii U & 3DS downloadable on the Switch without needing to pay for it (or roll the price in to the cost of the Switch Online Service). Keep the service active and you keep access to your VC lineup. And then surely add more games and systems to the service (finally add some GameCube support).
Without Nintendo blatantly saying it, I've pretty much taken what info they have given and believe that the "trickle-and-hit-or-miss" VC model as we know it is dead. I believe they will go ahead and do their pay-to-play-ALL-the-classics model (piggybacked off of their Online subscription service), which gives us quick access to tons of games out the gate, while adding other classics as time goes on, either trickled or splashed. The old model was "ok" for it's time, but overall leaves too many of us saying "when will this come?", "why THIS game?!", or eventually "Yay! Finally!!" or "This was a surprise!". Old model has too much drama, suspense, and disappointment. We need to be able to play as many classics as much and as fast as we can handle, and I think that's what Nintendo is going for. I sure hope so, at least.
The only other thing I feel Nintendo will do is what we're seeing already-- ACA classics, Arcade Archives, and the like. This seems to send the message that if you want to see certain games on the system, Nintendo is opening the door to devs to go ahead and emulate direct to the system which saves Nintendo the hassle of searching, handling, fees, work, etc. of getting said games on Switch. Though arguably, the only companies right now doing this are Hamster and Zerodiv it seems, so either they are solely doing emulation-to-Switch, or other devs can possibly get in on the act if they so choose... time will tell on that one. I just know if these classics can come, there's no telling how far the "new VC" can actually go.
A streaming service would be fine for those who want it, but I personally prefer to have access to the VC whenever it strikes me...INCLUDING offline. Hence why I have no problem with how the VC was handled before.
There will be no Virtual Console on the Switch. They'll just release those games (if they do) like those NeoGeo ACA games.
Zero Mission please
@NinChocolate Thanks such an awesome game
@sleepinglion Not a missed opportunity, yet. They've really stoked the fire and hunger for the VC when/if it does come out. Now, you'll hear less complaining about "wtf my previous purchase isn't moving over to my Switch" and more "FINALLY! HERE's MY MONEY!" from people.
To be honest, I don't miss VC at all. I'd rather see enhanced ports, remasters or collections (à la Mega Man Legacy Collection) than over-priced ROM dumps with little work done.
ha...today i was just thinking when i was gonna pop this game in my game boy player via gamecube.

id rather have this vc style so im looking forward to it.
the first game, called gekido urban fighters is on ps1:
@Al_Godoy
You can't get a good internet service in rural areas.
Just gimme Battle Network <3
@retro_player_22 Dont worry - this is a Parody twitter account
ALL I WANT IS GOLDEN SUN
Advance Wars 2
VC would’ve lapped the classic edition sales if Metroid and Star Fox titles were released on Nintendo Switch, among other games. They also would’ve avoided 3rd party resellers and scalping issues. Or it would’ve stayed to the Switch only and not two other consoles.
@rjejr If they're individually sold I wouldn't count on it. But there might be themed bundles that are cheaper per game. Kind of like the NES and SNES classic consoles offer a bundle of games.
By the way, whether people already own a game for another platform isn't a factor that is currently considered.. You own them for the systems you got them for. You can play them there already. And you paid for that limited use. That's the bottom line.
Every extension or benefit of past purchases towards new systems is purely a additional service as things are currently.
I agree, however, that it's time for game software to become more fluid when it comes to the platform they run on and that the industry should slowly star to enable cross platform purchases and cross platform saves.
@LittleLion "cross platform purchases and cross platform saves"
I'm all in on cross platform within platforms, Wii U and 3DS games on Switch, PS3 and Vita games on PS4, X360 games on X1. I'm not so sure about cross platform between companies though, I mean sure I'd like it, but it's not something I'd really expect. Minecraft could prove to be just the beginning though, so who knows, could happen.
@rjejr That is games that are already on all platforms of course. Just the concept of when you buy a game you can play it wherever it's available.
It's a separate concept from (digital) backwards compatibility which is what you are describing.
Not gonna lie, this game looks like hot garbage. A thinly veiled "Mystery", random pitfalls, adventure gameplay that looks like it just slows the pacing of what is otherwise a beat 'em up...only really has the art going for it, I think. Neat idea, but I'll pass on this.
Virtual Console is the main reason I pre ordered my switch and it's the only reason I haven't traded in my switch. If I don't hear something soon I'm just going to trade in my switch and go Retro and buy Gamecube, Snes & Nes games !
OMG.....They spelled the word LICENSED wrong......@ 00:02
And that one is The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past.
Um, with this little GBA "gem" being released it's not very hard to wonder why extremely convenient and enjoyable ROMs to exist. C'mon Nintendo - GET THE DAMN VIRTUAL CONSOLE UP AND YOU'LL TAKE PEOPLE'S MONEY!!!
Please bring back VC, don't give us NES online which I played on for few second of each game, what a waste of resource.
How much is the new switch model? Are Nintendo Switch games compatible with it?
It may not be Mario, Zelda or a Mario Spin-off but this will do
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