The Switch Online service has provided players access to iconic NES and SNES games for almost three years now. However, rumors surfaced several days ago that Nintendo is planning to expand Switch Online's selection of older games by adding Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles into the mix. It is worth noting that this is not the first time Game Boy games have been rumored for Nintendo Switch Online.
The latest one stems from dataminers discovering unused emulators living inside Nintendo Switch Online's code. At the moment, Nintendo still hasn't confirmed the rumors, so players should take it with a grain of salt. However, the possibility of Nintendo expanding the selection of vintage games on Nintendo Switch Online isn't at all unlikely, especially with all the benefits that the company stands to receive.
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Game Boy Games Could Boost The Value of Nintendo Switch Online
At the moment, the Nintendo Switch Online service offers Switch players access to the console's online multiplayer functionality, alongside a wide selection of SNES and NES games. In a way, Switch Online is the latest form of Nintendo's Virtual Console, the return of which has been long requested by Switch owners.
Given that Nintendo Switch Online is turning three years old, it wouldn't be surprising if Nintendo is planning to boost the benefits that paying subscribers have access to by adding classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games in the mix. Additionally, Nintendo is also set to release the OLED version of the Switch, and adding Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to Switch Online could help boost sales. Game Boy games make sense specially since the Switch, like the Game Boy, is also a handheld device that would be a perfect platform for players to enjoy titles they haven't played for decades.
The 3DS and Wii U eShops May Not Last For Long
Another important reason why Nintendo should include Game Boy games in Nintendo Switch Online is that the 3DS and Wii U eShops may not last for long. It is worth remembering that several months ago, Nintendo of Japan announced that starting 2022, it will no longer allow 3DS and Wii U users to add funds via credit card or e-money. Once support for external payment methods is discontinued, players will only be able to purchase games via Nintendo prepaid cards or by linking their Nintendo Network ID with their Nintendo account.
Although the announcement is only applicable to users in Japan, it wouldn't be surprising if Nintendo extends the same ruling to other territories. It is worth knowing that the announcement does not say that the eShops of 3DS and Wii U are set to close in 2022. However, the reduction of support of external payment methods may be the beginning of the end for the 3DS and Wii U's eShops, and Nintendo's way to slowly close them down.
Of course, if the eShops of the 3DS and Wii U are eventually closed, then players will no longer have any way to purchase and play Game Boy games unless they still have access to actual Game Boy consoles and games. However, Nintendo isn't likely to close off all access to its older games, which is why it makes perfect sense for the company to expand Switch Online's library by adding Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether any of the rumors about Switch Online turns out to be true. However, given that the service cannot solely rely on SNES and NES games to keep players subscribed to Switch Online, Nintendo would have to expand its selection at some point in the future. Besides, given that the Switch is both Nintendo's flagship handheld and home console, it just makes sense that it should be able to run classic handheld games such as those from the Game Boy era.
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