A Nintendo branding for “VirtualConsole” has been updated to pending, which grabs players' attention. Although Nintendo has not confirmed anything, this latest branding update has caused speculation in the community that the Virtual Console may be ready to make a comeback. However, there is a chance that the brand news will not amount to much.
Before Nintendo Switch Online was introduced to the original Switch, Nintendo offered the Virtual Console as a way to purchase classic games. Beginning with the Wii in 2006, the service allowed players to purchase games from older consoles and download them onto newer hardware. Virtual Console later came to Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and Wii U in 2013. Unfortunately, Virtual Console was discontinued on all of these platforms, leaving gamers yearning for its return on Switch and Switch 2.
Nintendo brand sparks virtual console speculation
Recently, new branding news left some players hopeful that the beloved feature will return. As discovered by Mike Odyssey on Twitter, a Nintendo trademark called “VirtualConsole” is pending. While it's worth noting that Nintendo of America has filed other Virtual Console trademarks in the past, this latest one doesn't appear to be a renewal. This has led to speculation that Nintendo may be planning some sort of revival of the service. However, it should be noted that the company has not confirmed anything, and this latest trademark could just be a way to protect the name.
Nintendo currently seems focused on bringing classic games to gamers through its Nintendo Switch Online service. Unlike Virtual Console, NSO is a subscription-based model that can be a good value for gamers depending on how many retro titles they plan to play. Although the service had a relatively limited selection initially, it has expanded to offer games from more consoles, and recently the GameCube was added to the Expansion Pack lineup with the launch of the Switch 2. Given Nintendo's focus on NSO, bringing back the Virtual Console in the current environment could create competition with the subscription service.
Still, some believe that Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online can co-exist in the same ecosystem. Having the ability to buy classic Nintendo games to keep is an option that many nostalgic fans hope will return in the future.
Time will tell if the Virtual Console ever appears on Nintendo's hybrid system. But fans should temper their expectations if this brand development is just some legal housekeeping from Nintendo. That said, there seems to be a large audience for the Virtual Console if it ever returns, given the sheer number of people who own a Switch or Switch 2.
- Stamp
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Nintendo
- Original release date
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June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$449.99
- Operating system
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Proprietary
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR support
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Yes
The successor to 2017's Nintendo Switch continues on the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on June 5, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, controller straps, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office
