Virtual Console won’t make the Switch launch

With just over a week on the clock before the launch of the Nintendo Switch, we finally have some details on the console’s digital storefront and what, precisely, will be available on launch day. Perhaps most notably, Virtual Console — the name Nintendo has given retro games on the platform — “will not be available on Nintendo Switch at launch.”

While “more than 60” indie games and digital versions of retail releases will grace the Nintendo eShop “this year,” only three indie titles “will launch at the same time as the system”: FAST RMX, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.

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.

We’ve asked Nintendo to confirm that other indies — like the previously announced World of Goo, Little Inferno and Human Resource Machine — will still be available on launch day as well. [Update: Nintendo got back to us with the following statement: “In addition to Fast RMX, Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, day-one digital titles on the eShop will include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, Super Bomberman R and Just Dance 2017.]

While there’s no word on whether or not existing eShop and Virtual Console purchases will carry over to the Switch, there is some good news from the confusing world of Nintendo accounts:

People who already have funds in their accounts on other Nintendo devices can access them using a shared wallet that works on Nintendo Switch as well. Once they link their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account and then their Nintendo Account to their Nintendo Switch system, this functionality becomes possible.

The eShop will require a launch day update, which can be downloaded and installed in the background and “doesn't disrupt gameplay.” This is, of course, important because any delay in playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will likely be met with severe disappointment.

Nintendo will host a “Nindies Showcase” livestream next Tuesday, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.

Watch: Nintendo Switch unboxing and impressions

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