So, Nintendo seems caught between a rock and the next generation, what with the PS4 and Microsoft’s new console on the way and Wii U sales not being as solid as they need to. The company is dropping some online channels from the console, but don’t make the mistake of thinking the system is dead by any means. There are a bunch of cool exclusives on the way for the Wii U, but once more, it’s the 3DS that’s stealing the show. A new Legend of Zelda game (well, one based on the classic SNES game A Link to the Past), the cult classic Earthbound (Hoo-freakin’-raaaay!) both coming as Virtual Console releases are but two of the super games coming for the company’s fans.

HOWEVER (dun-dun-dunnn!) Hmmm… I see a slight problem here in all the happy-happy going on…

I hate to say this, being a big Nintendo fan… but MORE retreads don’t ALWAYS mean better games. Nintendo is hitting the nostalgia bottle hard, but not in the right ways. Sure, a Link to the Past was a great (and STILL is a great) game, but why not a new game in a new place using those visuals, not what’s basically a more expensive and sanctioned in-house fan mod? As for that upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD upgrade for the Wii U – it’s also an amazing game, but I’d have loved to see a new home console Zelda using that art style which is still amazing even though some hated it (I’m not one of those people, as my copy of the GC original is the only signed Miyamoto item I have).

That and why in the eight hot hells is Earthbound getting the shaft as a digital-only release? Yeah, yeah, it tanked when it first came out, But given it’s been one of the most requested games on any Nintendo system for about a decade or so It SHOULD get more respect as a classy physical release that gets both an HD and regular version, maybe Mother for the GBA emulated and in English and some bonus content. The fans would support THAT in a heartbeat. Hell, a Nintendo Kickstarter would make more money than even the most skepticky skeptic can imagine.