When Nintendo Switch Online features were first announced, one that made us all raise our collective brows was the introduction of the NES Classic Library which comes packed with a Switch Online membership. Games like Donkey Kong, Ice Climbers, and Balloon Fight have been restored to working order, complete with online play, scoring, and leaderboards to go with them. With over twenty games included at the start and games like Dr. Mario, Solomon’s Key, and more to come after the initial launch, it begs the question. Could the Nintendo Switch NES Library become a new frontier for score chasers and record setters at Twin Galaxies?
Though Switch NES games don’t have record tracks at Twin Galaxies at this time, it’s not hard to imagine. A precedent for these types of games has already been set. Wii Virtual Console, Nintendo DS handheld, and even the NES Classic have had score tracks arranged for them, allowing players to pursue their goals on new systems. As long as a record submission is attached to the right system, players can enjoy pursuing the highest heights of Donkey Kong or the lowest times in Excitebike on their favored platform.
However, the interest has to be there for these tracks to come into creation right? After all, many new tracks on Twin Galaxies’ current system come into creation by way of Twin Galaxies members spending Submission Points from engaging positively in the community to create the fresh tracks. Even so, it would seem some level of interest is there. In an open request for input from the TG community, Tim O’Donnell came forward to offer his opinion on the matter. O’Donnell has been one of the more active record seekers at Twin Galaxies when it comes to the NES Classic Edition and its games.
“I don’t have a subscription to the Switch Online services,” clarified O’Donnell. “but I would I would support the inclusion of tracks for that version of NES games. As someone who has been active in submitting scores for the NES Classic, I think there is merit to creating categories for the new ways to play those old school games put out by Nintendo. It allows an opportunity for those who love those old NES games, but don't have the spare funds to buy an original NES and a bunch of games to go with it, to compete for high scores.”
Indeed, there are several barriers to properly pursuing records on classic NES games and hardware. One of them is finding the goods, especially for harder-to-find games. Some games in the Switch NES Library would be difficult to find in good condition, and even then, some of them can cost a pretty penny because of rareness. Having all of these games in one place just for having the Nintendo Switch Online membership goes a long way in eliminating the issue of tracking the games down. Moreover, Nintendo’s dedication to continuing to bring games to the library that will just always be available means the opportunities to play more of these classic titles grows as long as Nintendo supports the feature.
Another more intricate factor is the faithfulness with which these games are ported to the system. Nintendo expert Glen “Ninglendo” Updike shared his enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch NES games coming to Twin Galaxies for competition for a major factor which the Switch avoids with these games.
“The best thing the Switch is doing is implementing technology to reduce input lag with the games,” explained Updike. “With the Wii Virtual Console, a lot of games had input lag that any expert could notice. The average person wouldn't be able to but an expert on Mike Tyson Punch Out!! or quick reaction games like that would have problems playing the game.”
Updike doesn’t believe these games don’t have a place on Twin Galaxies. More that they present a challenge that he himself finds simply infuriating.
“The 15 million on Mario Bros. on the Wii Virtual Console has always impressed me,” Glen admitted. “As an expert on that game it was unplayable to me with the horrible input lag. I could feel and tell when moving that there was a slight delay from when I was pressing buttons.”
Even then, Updike has another major reason he’d like to see the new arena of NES Classic games on Switch find a home in the record boards of Twin Galaxies.
“Another great thing is being able to make tracks for these games with proper rules and tracks,” Updike explained. “A lot of the NES tracks on Twin Galaxies have terrible rules due to a lot of conflict and drama in the past. A lot of games are either too vague with the rules or too strict. With the current track system this would allow people to actually fix a lot of this mess for a newer generation. And let’s face it: people are going to have easier access to the Switch NES games compared to the actual NES. With the insane prices on some NES games and rarity along with it the Switch could help with more competition.”
Even so, at the end of the day, Twin Galaxies Adjudication does have the final say on what stays and what goes. With a greater effort and dedication to integrity than ever before, TG Adjudication walks the tight rope of making sure new competition has interest and is fair. That said, Twin Galaxies Head Custodian Dave Hawksett enthusiastically invites the possibility of the Switch and it’s NES Classic library should the community want it.
“With any new platform comes the chances of setting new scores,” Hawksett offered. Historically rule sets have often been copied as closely as possible when older games appear on new platforms. But if people want to use this as a way of trying something different, then they absolutely should, especially if it encourages competition. I would like to see some more community feedback on this.”
Ultimately that may mean that much of the topic is in the hands of the Twin Galaxies community to show initiative and interest in the possibility of Nintendo Switch NES Classic games. However, the possibility is most certainly there. As Nintendo adds to the library and increases the value of the feature, hopefully that means we’ll see this new frontier of classic games explored by the Twin Galaxies faithful as it has been so many times before.
(Featured Image by Nintendo)
