AceShowbiz - Nearly six years after the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the 3.0 update marks a significant milestone, yet it presents a feature that turns out to be a major letdown. The introduction of the new Resort Hotel is a highlight, along with the engaging Slumber Islands designed for multiplayer fun, and the addition of new collaboration items and villagers adds a fresh touch. However, the decision to reinstate in-game retro consoles has unfortunately fallen flat.

Playable emulated NES games first graced the original Animal Crossing on the GameCube, but they were conspicuously absent in subsequent titles until the arrival of New Horizons 3.0. This update offers seven different Nintendo systems, including the Famicom, Famicom Disk System, NES, Game Boy, Super Famicom, and SNES, each featuring a unique retro game. The issue lies in the fact that half of these games are rather lackluster, and the decision to impose a paywall on them is perplexing.

The lineup of emulated classics available in Animal Crossing 3.0 includes:

• Famicom: Clu Clu Land
• Famicom Disk System: Ice Hockey
• NES: Ice Climber
• Game Boy: Dr. Mario
• Super Famicom: Panel de Pon (known as Tetris Attack in the West)
• SNES: F-Zero

While the selection isn't entirely devoid of merit—games like F-Zero, Panel de Pon, and Dr. Mario offer enjoyable gameplay, and Ice Climber has its charm—the overall choices feel underwhelming. The Nintendo Switch and its anticipated successor have a plethora of other emulated classics that could have been included. Rather than opting for Ice Climber, a game that has never seen a sequel and is primarily remembered through Super Smash Bros., why not choose more beloved titles?

The NES Nintendo Classics app offers a treasure trove of highly regarded games from that era, featuring iconic titles like the first three Super Mario Bros. games, the original Zelda series, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Punch-Out!!, Kirby’s Adventure, and EarthBound Beginnings. The potential for a more diverse and exciting selection is evident, making the current offerings feel like a missed opportunity.