From the New Nintendo 3DS to the PlayStation 4 Pro, mid-generation hardware refreshes are becoming more common. Meanwhile, in the cartridge era, mid-generation refreshes took the form of modular console upgrades. Sega is the prime example, particularly with the Genesis and its myriad add-ons like the 32X.
Nintendo tried its hand at the practice as well. Its fourth-generation attempt, the Super Famicom's Satellaview, was perhaps the most interesting and deserving of another look. The Satellaview was a cumbersome, expensive, Japanese-exclusive satellite modem that plugged into the Super Famicom. Once it was set up, the service allowed users to receive broadcasts of game data that could be downloaded to the Super Famicom and played during specific broadcast periods.
The Retro Success of Satellaview
In many ways the Satellaview was like tuning into an interactive television program. During the broadcast times, players would have access to exclusive Nintendo software with added features that wouldn't have been possible on a traditional Super Famicom cartridge.
Perhaps the most famous Satellaview broadcast was BS The Legend of Zelda, a full 16-bit reimagining of the original NES Zelda, complete with orchestrated music and voiceover. Because the signal was broadcast live for finite periods like a TV show, these added presentational elements were possible.
While this is only a cursory look at how the Satellaview operated, the add-on facilitated some truly fascinating Nintendo experiences. BS The Legend of Zelda is far from the only exclusive game on the service, too. There was Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle Stadium, a Mario-themed remake of NES Excitebike, as well BS Fire Emblem: Archanean War Chronicles, a wholly unique Fire Emblem title. There are even more, from Super Famicom Wars to various Kirby-themed games too. Of course, the limited-time broadcast structure meant many of these games were small in scope, but they're retro Nintendo exclusives that have been largely lost to time.
Preserving the Satellaview's Legacy
The Satellaview is also a clear indictment of the gaming industry's troubles with preservation. Of course, the medium was fairly young when the Satellaview was on the market, and preservation has become more important in the passing generations. The entire Satellaview gimmick hinged upon a finite structure, one that was compelling in the moment and inaccessible now. The ROMs for some Satellaview games have been recovered and dumped online, but it's far from an exhaustive restoration.
Even if more games surface, there can never be a complete reconstruction of the Satellaview experience, considering how those games hinged on real-time components. However, Nintendo can and should try to piece together the legacy of the Satellaview. While it's unclear how many Satellaview games are even being stored by Nintendo, any and all that still exist should be added to Nintendo Switch Online. Releasing the games would retain the body but not the spirit of the Satellaview. Still, it would be a step in the right direction. Fans should be able to experience the Satellaview's content for generations to come, even if it is in a partial state.
Nintendo is already embracing limited time events in its biggest games, from Splatoon 2's Splatfests to New Horizons' holidays. Perhaps a similar philosophy could be used to revive the spirit of the Satellaview. Nintendo could stream these games with modern Nintendo voice actors to players in broadcast chunks. Then, the games could be added to Nintendo Switch Online and properly preserved afterward. This would be an incredible community event.
There's no financial incentive here, but it's a historical imperative. Dedicated fans have long clamored for access to these niche corners of Nintendo's lineage, and the technology exists to restore this one. If recreated broadcasts aren't feasible, the games themselves should at least be revitalized. The Satellaview is easily one of the most unique chapters of Nintendo's history, and it deserves to be celebrated -- not forgotten.