My personal dilemma regarding the Virtual Console

[CavZee]

Let me start off by saying I've become quite an avid emulation enthusiast over the past couple years. I'm aware that all of the console makers these days have been making classic games available to download for quite a while now. But, in spite of this I've always preferred emulators because of the "enhancements" like shaders, save states, configurable controls, etc. I also tend to use the original controllers through an adapter to solidify the "feel" of the experience.

Now, fast forward to now. I recently played through Super Metroid on Wii U due to it's 30 cent sale price. And what I've experienced is becoming quite a revelation. I can customize controls, there's restore points, the games are scaled quite well on my TV (and look great on the gamepad). Then there's the biggest thing I loved, Miiverse. I was able to, within seconds, get tips on certain things and experience a classic with many others who were also playing for the first time.

Now, my dilemma. Should I keep investing into the Virtual Console service? The games seem to be a bit high in price (IMO), but so far they've been offering promotional offers to help in that regard.

What I'm thinking is this, for many of the 8-16 bit games I'll purchase them on VC, while I stick to using my PC for more recent systems because of a couple of reasons:
*3D graphic enhancements
*I won't be able to play PS1, PS2, and Dreamcast stuff on a Nintendo console anyway.
*Also, I've started casually collecting and expanding my PS1, PS2, DC, and GameCube libraries so that throws out the whole "legality" argument.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or opinions.

Oh, and GBA games will probably rock on the gamepad (AKA GameBoy Advance XXL)

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I've thought about this too. I'm currently working my way through Mega Man X on the VC and I'm enjoying it a lot too.

I agree the prices are just a bit high. On the other hand, Nintendo seems to have a special deal every week regarding the VC.

I think $3 for NES games and $5 for SNES games would be the sweet spot. There's something refined about the VC emulation that I really like over a PC emulator. I can't put my finger on it though.

[Sano]

I like the Wii U. I don't own one personally, but a friend has one. I found myself playing the game on the controller instead of his 60 inch plasma.. lol; just always found myself looking at the controller screen. If I do get another console, it will probably be a Wii U vs PS4 (even though I am very fond of Sony).

Oops, forgot to answer your question. I think investing in the virtual console service is a solid plan. I would probably find myself buying SNES games more often than playing Wii U games. As for PS, I have gotten a few PS1 games off of PSN (PS3 and PSVita) and I find it just as rewarding as I would playing them on an actual PS1.

[CavZee]

I've thought about this too. I'm currently working my way through Mega Man X on the VC and I'm enjoying it a lot too.

I agree the prices are just a bit high. On the other hand, Nintendo seems to have a special deal every week regarding the VC.

I think $3 for NES games and $5 for SNES games would be the sweet spot. There's something refined about the VC emulation that I really like over a PC emulator. I can't put my finger on it though.

I can agree with the refinement part. There's still certainly much more to fiddle with on PC emulators but I feel like the VC is much better for the times when you randomly want to play a bit of Kirby's adventure while you have something on TV you're watching. XD

If I ever get a PS Vita, I'll more than likely purchase some PS1 games on there as well. Especially the more expensive games.

I almost wish Nintendo would offer a similar service to PS Plus where I could get a free VC game or two a month. I'd sign up for that!

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I can agree with the refinement part. There's still certainly much more to fiddle with on PC emulators but I feel like the VC is much better for the times when you randomly want to play a bit of Kirby's adventure while you have something on TV you're watching. XD

If I ever get a PS Vita, I'll more than likely purchase some PS1 games on there as well. Especially the more expensive games.

I almost wish Nintendo would offer a similar service to PS Plus where I could get a free VC game or two a month. I'd sign up for that!

You read my mind! That would be fantastic. I would pay $5 a month to get a few free VC games and some discounts on regular eShop games each month.

[CavZee]

Nintendo Network Premium.

Nintendo, make it happen!

And while you're at it, unify the 3DS eshop stuff with the Wii U's so we can get discounts on there too.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Nintendo Network Premium.

Nintendo, make it happen!

And while you're at it, unify the 3DS eshop stuff with the Wii U's so we can get discounts on there too.

I'm sure the unification thing will happen sooner rather than later. Probably when 3DS gets the Miiverse. You can see 3DS titles in the WiiU eshop right now I believe, even though you can't buy them.

[fastbilly1]

I still buy multiplayer games on the Virtual Consoles - Mario Kart 64 is on every console I own that can run it legally. But for single player emulation just offers a better setup for me. Either on the Wii or my HTPC.

[CavZee]

I still buy multiplayer games on the Virtual Consoles - Mario Kart 64 is on every console I own that can run it legally. But for single player emulation just offers a better setup for me. Either on the Wii or my HTPC.

That's what I used to believe as well until my experience with Super Metroid. I totally underestimated Miiverse at first, but now I think I can see what they were going for.

[fastbilly1]

I feel you on that. Miiverse is a really neat thing, but I typically have a netbook or laptop beside me while gaming for other reasons - work and skype being the two biggest. So looking up something quick doesnt have as much of an impact on me. I appreciate what they have done with it, but it just does not jive with me.