A Nintendo trademark for “VirtualConsole” has been updated to pending, catching the attention of gamers. While Nintendo has not confirmed anything, this latest trademark update has caused speculation in the community that the Virtual Console could be poised to make a comeback. However, there is a chance the trademark news might not amount to much.
Before Nintendo Switch Online was introduced for the original Switch, Nintendo offered the Virtual Console as a way to purchase classic games. Starting on the Wii in 2006, the service let gamers buy games from older consoles and download them on newer hardware. The Virtual Console later came to Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and Wii U in 2013. Unfortunately, Virtual Console was discontinued on all these platforms, leaving players longing for it to return on the Switch and Switch 2.
Nintendo Trademark Sparks Virtual Console Speculation
Recently, new trademark news left some gamers hopeful for the return of the beloved feature. As spotted by Mike Odyssey on Twitter, a Nintendo trademark called “VirtualConsole” is pending. While it is worth noting that Nintendo of America has filed other trademarks for Virtual Console in the past, this latest one does not appear to be a renewal. This has led to speculation that Nintendo could be planning some sort of revival of the service. However, it should be noted that the company has confirmed nothing, and this latest trademark could merely be a way of protecting the name.
Nintendo currently seems focused on offering classic games to players through its Nintendo Switch Online service. As opposed to the Virtual Console, NSO is a subscription-based model that can be a good value for gamers depending on how many retro titles they plan on playing. While the service had a relatively limited selection initially, it has expanded to offer games from more consoles, recently adding the GameCube to the Expansion Pack lineup with the launch of Switch 2. Considering Nintendo’s focus on NSO, bringing back Virtual Console in the current environment could create competition with the subscription service.
Nevertheless, some believe that the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online can co-exist in the same ecosystem. Having the option to buy classic Nintendo games to keep is an option many nostalgic fans hope returns in the future.
Time will tell if the Virtual Console ever appears on Nintendo’s hybrid systems. However, fans should temper their expectations in case this trademark development is only some legal housekeeping from Nintendo. That being said, there appears to be a large audience for the Virtual Console if it ever does come back, given the large number of people who own a Switch or Switch 2.
- Brand
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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 down 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, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office
