Disney Afternoon Collection Interview: Digital Eclipse on New Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch Versions Nearly a Decade Later
In a thrilling development for Nintendo fans, nearly a decade after its initial release, The Disney Afternoon Collection is set to grace Nintendo platforms with its launch on Switch 2 and Switch next week. This highly anticipated release has been a long-standing request from fans, and Digital Eclipse has finally made it a reality. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Kohler, the editorial director at Digital Eclipse, to delve deeper into the details of this exciting release.
The collection, which first saw the light of day in 2017, has been a labor of love for Nintendo fans. Kohler revealed that the idea of bringing The Disney Afternoon Collection to Nintendo platforms has always been a topic of discussion whenever they interact with Disney. It took a significant amount of time for the stars to align, but the timeless nature of these games has ensured their enduring appeal. Despite the wait, the excitement surrounding the Switch and Switch 2 versions remains high, and Kohler expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the worth of the effort.
Atari's involvement in this release is an intriguing aspect. While Capcom was the original publisher, Atari has stepped in to add two new games exclusively for Nintendo platforms. These new games, Goof Troop and Bonkers, are based on cartoons that aired during the Disney Afternoon programming block. Kohler explained that Atari worked directly with Disney to license these games for release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, while Capcom remains the publisher of the previous versions, which are not part of this new release.
Revisiting the collection after so many years has been a fascinating experience for Kohler. He fondly recalls playing the original release as a fan and was particularly impressed by the Gallery sections, which were meticulously researched and written by Frank Cifaldi, the Head of Restoration at Digital Eclipse at the time. These sections felt like a real-life museum exhibit, with deep research and engaging captions. This inspired Kohler to create more elaborate 'interactive documentaries' at Digital Eclipse, and revisiting Disney Afternoon to add new content was a thrilling challenge.
The decision to include Goof Troop and Bonkers was an easy one, as they were developed by Capcom, the same studio behind the six NES games in the collection. Kohler confirmed that this was always the plan, as these games were a natural fit. However, there are no current plans to add more games to the collection.
One notable feature of the Switch 2 version is its lack of support for GameShare, which is a disappointment for some. However, the collection will be available on regular key cards for the Switch 2 release, and players have shown positive feedback for this approach.
When it comes to retro collections, Kohler believes that treating classic games with respect is key. He draws a parallel between classic game collections and anniversary re-releases of influential albums or Criterion Collection-style releases of classic films. The goal is to provide context and explain the game's influence, its enjoyment during its time, its legacy, and the people behind its creation. This approach, as seen in The Disney Afternoon Collection, aims to engage players more deeply than a straightforward re-release.
The Disney Afternoon Collection is set to arrive on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch on February 26, 2026. For more information, visit https://nintendoeverything.com/the-disney-afternoon-collection-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch-2-and-switch-will-have-two-new-games/.
