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Is Wii Virtual Console Still Up? A Deep Dive into Nintendo’s Digital Legacy

The short answer is no, the Wii Virtual Console is no longer up and running. The Wii Shop Channel, which housed the Virtual Console service on the original Wii, was officially shut down on January 30, 2019. This means you can no longer purchase or download new Virtual Console games on the original Wii. Furthermore, the Virtual Console service on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS was discontinued on March 27, 2023. While previously purchased games can still be redownloaded, no new purchases are possible. Nintendo’s digital landscape has shifted, leaving the Virtual Console a relic of gaming’s past.

The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to the Wii Shop Channel

The Wii Shop Channel, launched in December 2006, was revolutionary for its time. It allowed players to download classic games from past consoles like the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and even TurboGrafx-16. The Virtual Console was a major draw, offering a legal and convenient way to experience gaming history.

However, Nintendo eventually decided to sunset the service. The Wii Shop Channel officially closed its doors on January 30, 2019. At that time, all unpurchased WiiWare, Virtual Console games, and other Wii Channels were removed from sale. This marked the end of an era for digital distribution on the original Wii.

The 3DS and Wii U: A Final Farewell

Following the Wii’s decline, the Virtual Console found a second life on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. These consoles offered a curated selection of classic games, many of which were exclusive to these platforms. The ability to play classic titles on the go with the 3DS was a particularly appealing prospect for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, the Virtual Console’s run on these consoles was also finite. On March 27, 2023, Nintendo closed the eShops for both the 3DS and Wii U. This meant that purchasing new games or DLC on these platforms was no longer possible. While redownloading purchased content was initially available, even that functionality’s lifespan has a limited window.

What Happens to Purchased Games?

While purchasing new Virtual Console games is no longer an option, there’s still some good news. For a while, Nintendo allowed users to redownload games they had previously purchased on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. This ensured that players who invested in digital libraries could still access their games.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that redownload support is not indefinite. Nintendo has not explicitly stated when redownloading functionality will be permanently disabled. It is advisable to ensure you have all your purchased games downloaded and backed up if possible.

The Future of Retro Gaming on Nintendo

The closure of the Virtual Console services begs the question: what is Nintendo’s strategy for retro gaming moving forward? The current answer appears to be Nintendo Switch Online.

Nintendo Switch Online offers a subscription service that grants access to a library of classic NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games. While this service doesn’t provide individual purchases of games, it offers a continually expanding selection of titles to subscribers.

While some gamers lament the lack of a true Virtual Console on the Switch, Nintendo Switch Online provides a viable, though different, avenue for enjoying retro games on current hardware. This aligns more with a “Netflix” style model of gaming subscriptions, contrasting with the individual purchasing experience that the Virtual Console once championed. For resources and research on gaming and education, consider exploring the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to the intersection of games and learning. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Understanding the Virtual Console Shutdown

1. Can I still buy Wii Virtual Console games?

No. The Wii Shop Channel, along with the Virtual Console service, was shut down on January 30, 2019. Therefore, it is no longer possible to purchase any Virtual Console games on the original Wii. Furthermore, as of March 27, 2023 it is no longer possible to purchase any virtual console games on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS as their eShops have been closed.

2. Can I still download WiiWare games?

No. WiiWare was also part of the Wii Shop Channel, and with the shop’s closure, WiiWare games are no longer available for purchase or download.

3. Can I still redownload Wii Virtual Console games I previously purchased?

For a limited time after the closure of the eShops, users were able to redownload games they have previously purchased. Nintendo did not announce exactly when users would no longer have the ability to redownload these games.

4. Will my Wii stop working after the Wii Shop Channel closed?

No. The closure of the Wii Shop Channel does not affect the functionality of your Wii console. You can still play physical games and use other features of the system. Rumors of Wiis “self-destructing” are false.

5. What about the Virtual Console on Wii U and 3DS?

The Virtual Console service on the Wii U and 3DS was also discontinued on March 27, 2023, along with the closure of their respective eShops. This means that purchasing new games or DLC is no longer possible on these platforms.

6. Can I still redownload games I purchased on the Wii U and 3DS eShops?

7. What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers online play, access to a library of classic games, cloud saves, and other benefits for Nintendo Switch owners.

8. Does Nintendo Switch Online have Virtual Console games?

Nintendo Switch Online includes classic games from the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance as part of its subscription service. However, these games are not sold individually like they were on the Virtual Console.

9. Will Nintendo ever bring back the Virtual Console?

While there’s no official word from Nintendo, the success of Nintendo Switch Online suggests that Nintendo is more likely to continue with a subscription-based approach to retro gaming rather than bringing back a standalone Virtual Console service.

10. Is it legal to download Wii games from unofficial sources?

No. Downloading Wii games from unofficial sources is illegal and violates Nintendo’s copyright.

11. What is Wii U USB Helper?

Wii U USB Helper was a third-party tool that allowed users to download Wii U games to their computers. It is not an official Nintendo product, and its use is generally considered to be a violation of copyright. It is illegal to download Wii U games from unofficial sources.

12. Can I play Wii games on the Nintendo Switch?

No. The Nintendo Switch is not backwards compatible with Wii games. You can only play Wii games on the original Wii and Wii U consoles.

13. Why did Nintendo close the eShops?

Nintendo cited the “natural life cycle” of the consoles as the reason for closing the eShops. As the consoles aged and fewer people used the digital storefronts, Nintendo likely found it more cost-effective to focus on newer platforms.

14. Will the price of Wii U consoles go up now that the eShop is closed?

Wii U prices are subject to fluctuate based on availability, condition, and demand in the retro gaming market.

15. What is Nintendo doing to preserve gaming history?

While the closure of the Virtual Console services is disappointing for some, Nintendo’s commitment to preserving gaming history is still evident through Nintendo Switch Online, museum collaborations, and other initiatives. The Games Learning Society fosters similar efforts to understand the long-term implications of gaming history. They explore the many ways that games impact individuals and the broader culture.

Is Wii Virtual Console still up?