Today, Nintendo confirmed that the Nintendo Switch, the console that everyone, consumer, and industry alike, is anticipating will not launch with a virtual console.
Nintendo put very plainly, "Virtual Console will not be available on Nintendo Switch at launch. We will share more information in the future."
The console will also be releasing without services such as Netflix or YouTube. But it would be very difficult to believe that these features aren't planned for the near future. For one, the quote above doesn't immediately dismiss the notion of these features that are already part of the Wii U library of apps. Secondly, it's the standard of consoles these days. A standard that Nintendo had previously held with their last two consoles and even the 3DS.
A bit of good news, however, Nintendo shared some info about how the eShop will work on the Nintendo Switch. Users will need to download a system update to gain access, and the update and any others in the future can be done in the background without interrupting gameplay.
There's also a news feature that will feature "the latest additions to Nintendo eShop, as well as providing information about upcoming games and other updates from Nintendo." Funds can also be shared across different Nintendo devices via a shared wallet. If funds are allocated to a 3DS or a Wii U device, this account can be used on the Nintendo Switch as well once the player links their Nintendo Network ID and their Nintendo Account.
Lastly, Nintendo noted that people can buy digital Switch games through Nintendo.com and that the games can then be downloaded at home or on the go (if there's a wifi connection) and the game should be installed once the player returns.
We've also learned of some last minute additions to the list of Switch launch titles here.
