Nintendo Switch Successor to be Backward Compatible
Nintendo revealed exciting news about the upcoming successor to the Nintendo Switch, stating that the new console will be able to play current Switch software. This announcement was made by Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, who also confirmed that Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the new system.
No Mention of Hardware Compatibility
While there was no mention of whether the new console will be compatible with Joy-Con controllers or other Switch accessories, previous reports have hinted at this possibility.
Details from Corporate Management Policy Briefing
The news of the Switch 2’s backward compatibility was shared during Nintendo’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, an event where the company updates investors on sales data and future plans. The public presentation also addressed the functionality of Nintendo Accounts on the new console, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with current users.
Questions Remain About Physical Game Compatibility
Although leaks suggest that the Switch 2 may have a card slot, Nintendo’s message did not confirm whether the new console would support physical Switch game discs. Further details on compatibility will be disclosed at a later date.
Importance of Backward Compatibility
Backward compatibility is a crucial feature for the success of the Switch 2, especially in a gaming landscape where other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer full compatibility with previous generations. Consumer expectations have shifted towards seamless access to their digital game libraries across devices.
Exciting Sales Growth for Popular Franchises
Aside from backward compatibility, Nintendo’s presentation also highlighted the significant sales growth of franchises like Pikmin, Kirby, Metroid, and Xenoblade Chronicles on the Nintendo Switch compared to their performance on previous consoles.
Correction (Nov. 6): A previous version of this story indicated that Nintendo had announced backward-compatibility with Switch hardware as well as software. Although previously reported, hardware compatibility has not been confirmed by Nintendo.