Virtual Console On The Wii U Looks To Be A Hot Mess

The most recent Nintendo Direct appears to be a home run for many. There are a number of new Wii U releases on the way that has many genuinely excited.

But what if you love Nintendo's classic releases? Namely, the old NES and SNES games that were one of the key selling points of the original Wii for many?

Up until yesterday, one needed to run the Wii U's Wii Mode to access the Virtual Console. We also noted that one could not get Club Nintendo Coins when making purchases via this set-up. Which is fairly annoying, but only that.

Nintendo also just revealed that the Virtual Console is coming to the Wii U. Sound great, right? Well, not until you read the fine print.

For starters, the entire VC library from the Wii will not be available at launch. It was noted that gaps will be filled eventually, but some are doubtful if it will actually happen.

A just posted editorial on Joystiq argues that Nintendo seems no longer interested in supporting the entire scope of the Wii's Virtual Console, which includes releases for the Genesis, Neo Geo, Nintendo 64, Master System, and more. And their argument is fairly sound and compelling.

Moving on, and this is the worst part by far: one cannot re-download previously purchased games on the Wii onto the Wii U. You'll have to pay for them a second time. Nintendo will try to lessen the sting by offering discounts to those who they're asking to double dip, but that's still quite ridiculous.

Granted, one continue to access initial Virtual Console purchases via Wii Mode, but one will not be able to play them on the GamePad. Why does it have to be so complicated Nintendo?

The Wii U's virtual console launches sometime in the spring, officially. But preceding its arrival is a special promotion; a small handful of games will be available for just 30 cents, but only for 30 days. First one up is Balloon Fight.