If you look at this article (http://cube.ign.com/articles/665/665952p4.aspx) at IGN where Reggie Fils-Aime talks about Nintendos plans for the future and the industry in general, you' ll notice that one of the things he says hints that downloading retro games to the virtual console will probably be charged:

" Virtual console is a direct pipeline to new, simplicity-seeking, blue ocean customers. And these are proven, high-quality game experiences that we an, of course, make available at a far more affordable price than current hits. "

It' s not an official statement, but one would guess that this means there will be a fee. What do you think?