Classic games on Nintendo Switch weren't initially what players were hoping for. Nintendo previously released classic games under the Virtual Console brand across the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, and players expected the same for the Switch. Nintendo's decision to tie classic games to an online service, similar to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, received considerable backlash since players wanted to buy games individually or even carry over past Virtual Console purchases. However, in the intervening years, Nintendo Switch Online has redeemed itself in most players' eyes.