Nintendo Switch’s Virtual Console Won’t be Available at Launch

Only eight days before the console’s launch, Nintendo finally announced today that the Switch will not support Virtual Console upon release, though the eShop will be available on day one with at least two indie titles in tow.

The only further explanation the company provided regarding Virtual Console was that they “will share more information in the future.” They also announced that any funds found in accounts already linked to other Nintendo devices will be accessible on the Switch via a shared wallet. Players will need to link their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account, then link their Nintendo Account to their Switch system to access the functionality. A day-one system update will be required to access the eShop on launch day.

While Nintendo said in today’s press release that more than 60 indie games will be available on the eShop this year (along with “digital versions of packaged games, DLC and more”), only two digital independent titles were listed as official launch games. Here they are, per a press release:

FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia: Challenge your friends to local split-screen competition or take part in online races against players from all over the world. This lightning-fast anti-gravity racer is exclusive to Nintendo Switch.

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment from Yacht Club Games: The latest DLC for the critically acclaimed hit Shovel Knight is a full-featured game starring Specter Knight, one of the enemies from the original game. The massive campaign includes even more content than the last DLC, Plague of Shadows. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is exclusive to Nintendo Switch for a limited time.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games: For Shovel Knight’s biggest fans, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove includes the original Shovel Knight game, as well as all previously released DLC – even Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment! Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch for a limited time.

In celebration of the Switch’s forthcoming “Nindie” titles, Nintendo will host a “Nindies Showcase” livestream on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 12 p.m. EST. You’ll be able to catch the stream here. Be sure to stay tuned to Paste for more incoming news regarding the oh-so-close new Nintendo console, and check out our unboxing gallery here.