this post was submitted on 14 Feb 2026
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They actually have. Emulation on the Switch has save states, cheat codes, and ROM hacks. Sort of.
So to clarify, for those who don't know, first of all it's not free. Nintendo Switch Online is required to play most of the emulated games. A few are gated behind the premium Expansion Pack membership (which also gets you expansions for Animal Crossing and Mario Kart). So this is how you play N64 and Genesis. Anyway, the games are curated (you get what they give you), but some have a star or something which means it's basically a ROM hack with cheats. Like the one for Zelda II makes you level 8 in all three areas (sword, shield, magic IIRC). That's it. Another might start you on the last level. One might give you all the items in the game. And not all games have alternate modes.
So hey, they're kind of trying.
Agree on the rest though.
Yeah, I'd say NSO is now on the level I'd expect from a company offering. Still doesn't compete with fan offerings, I.E. I can now play Windwaker on Switch 2, in a similar experience to original GameCube hardware, but on Dolphin I can play Windwaker with a widescreen code, in native 4K or higher, and using a fanmade texture pack like Hypatia's, and the game is gorgeous. I can additionally access top-quality content like the randomizer, or even archipelago, with all sorts of optional enhancements like the swift sail. Or I could even emulate the Wii U remaster.
But, it's meeting the level I expect from a paid team that has a few years targeting a mobile chipset, compared to decades of accumulated passionate fan effort. It's reasonable, unlike at release where the N64 emulation had swathes of issues not even present on Wii/Wii U Virtual Console, for example.
I forget if they have fast forward/speed up and turbo though.
They don't have RetroAchievements, more than 1 or 2 shaders, custom backgrounds, advanced key mapping, easy recording to OBS, permanent "ownership" of games and saves, the ability to use any USB or Bluetooth controller...I'm sure there's plenty more.
Don't get me wrong, I like NSO and I liked the Virtual Store(s)...but emulation on PC is still miles ahead of NSO and such.