Nintendo Trademark Could Hint at Return of Beloved Feature

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Gamers have noticed an update to Nintendo’s trademark for “VirtualConsole,” and it’s now listed as pending. Although Nintendo hasn’t officially said anything, this has led to a lot of discussion online about the possibility of the Virtual Console returning. It’s also possible, however, that this trademark update won’t lead to anything new.

Before Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo had a service called Virtual Console that allowed players to buy and download classic games on newer systems. It first launched on the Wii in 2006, and later became available on the Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and Wii U in 2013. While the Virtual Console is no longer available on any of those consoles, many players hope it will return on the Switch and future Nintendo hardware.

Nintendo Trademark Sparks Virtual Console Speculation

Gamers recently got a bit of hopeful news regarding a popular feature from the past. Mike Odyssey noticed on Twitter that Nintendo has filed a new trademark for “Virtual Console.” While Nintendo has trademarked “Virtual Console” before, this filing doesn’t seem to be a simple renewal, leading some to believe the service might be making a comeback. However, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed anything, and it’s possible they’re just protecting the name for future use.

Nintendo is currently prioritizing delivering older games to players through its Nintendo Switch Online service. Unlike the older Virtual Console, Nintendo Switch Online requires a subscription, which can be a good deal for gamers who enjoy playing retro titles. The service started with a limited number of games, but has grown to include titles from more classic consoles, recently adding GameCube games with the release of Switch 2. Given Nintendo’s commitment to Nintendo Switch Online, bringing back the Virtual Console could compete with its existing subscription service.

I really hope Nintendo finds a way to let us both subscribe to online play and still buy classic games like we used to! A lot of us fans love collecting those retro titles, and it would be amazing to own them permanently alongside the online service. It feels like we shouldn’t have to choose between the two!

Honestly, I’m still hoping Nintendo brings the Virtual Console to the Switch or Switch 2, but I’m trying not to get too excited. It’s possible this trademark thing is just Nintendo covering its bases legally, you know? Still, if they did bring it back, I think a lot of us would jump on it – there are so many Switch and Switch 2 owners who’d be into playing classic games.

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2025-10-21 03:20