Sega has announced plans to delist 'Sega Genesis Classics' (known as 'Mega Drive Classics' in some regions) from the Nintendo Switch eShop on December 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST. This decision is part of a broader move by Sega to remove a selection of classic games and bundles from various digital storefronts, including Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms.
Key points about this decision:
1. Timing: The delisting will occur on December 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.
2. Affected platforms: While the delisting affects multiple platforms, on the Nintendo Switch, only the 'Sega Genesis Classics' collection is being removed.
3. Impact on current owners: Players who already own the game will still have access to it in their library and can continue to play it after the delisting date.
4. Reasons: Sega has not officially stated the reasons behind this decision. However, there are several speculations:
- Potential licensing issues, particularly with certain titles like the Wonder Boy series.
- Preparation for new releases or remastered versions of these classics.
- Technical or memory constraints on certain platforms (though this is less likely for the Switch version).
5. Scope: The delisting affects a significant portion of Sega's classic game catalog, with over 50 titles being removed from Steam alone.
For players considering purchasing 'Sega Genesis Classics' on the Switch:
- There's still time to buy the collection before it's delisted on December 6.
- Once purchased, you'll retain access to the games even after they're removed from the eShop.
For current owners:
- Your access to the game will not be affected. You can continue to play and redownload the collection as long as it remains in your Nintendo account library.
This move by Sega has sparked discussions about game preservation and the challenges of maintaining access to classic titles in the digital age. While the exact reasoning behind the decision remains unclear, it underscores the importance of digital ownership and the potential impermanence of game availability on digital storefronts.
SEGA Classics FAQ
What's happening to the SEGA Classics games? Select games and bundles will be delisted from virtual stores, becoming unavailable for new purchases. Your owned games will still be available in you...
