The community’s reaction has been blunt. One fan described the implementation as “utterly pathetic,” while another noted that what should have been a charming tribute to the series’ roots feels “stupid” because of the NSO requirement.
Another commenter expressed their frustration, saying: “This is one of the most disappointing changes compared to the original. I’m not entirely shocked they found a way to monetize it, but it’s still a huge letdown for longtime fans.”
Even if one looks past the subscription barrier, the content itself is surprisingly thin. The game library is far more limited than what was available on the GameCube decades ago. While the SNES and Game Boy sections include solid titles like F-Zero, Dr. Mario, and Panel de Pon, the NES selection is notably underwhelming. Instead of providing heavy hitters like The Legend of Zelda or Metroid, players are left with “bottom-tier” options like Ice Climber, Clu Clu Land, and Ice Hockey.
This leaves many wondering what the purpose of the update even was. If the games aren’t standout classics and they still require an external subscription to run, these consoles function more as decorative furniture than true gameplay features. Nintendo has effectively taken one of the franchise’s most magical elements and turned it into a point of contention.
Check out how Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update is finally here, and why fans are obsessed with a specific quality-of-life improvement.
