The successor to the Nintendo Switch is finally coming, and Nintendo has confirmed two features for it. In a recent Corporate Management Policy Briefing, company president Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the upcoming console would support backward compatibility with Switch games and continue the Nintendo Switch Online service.
So you can rest easy knowing that all your investments into the Switch and Switch Online service remain safe. And in a shocker to no one, games will remain exclusive to the Switch and Switch 2.
Nintendo is Finally Making Some Right Moves
Backward compatibility is one of the biggest features that the gaming industry has introduced over the years. Fans often wait for the announcement of the feature before making the decision to purchase a console.
It’s also a big move from the brand since most of its consoles have not been backward compatible before. It would also explain the recent crackdown on Switch emulators.
This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…
— 任天堂株式会社（企業広報・IR） (@NintendoCoLtd) November 6, 2024
The announcement confirms that games from the original Switch library will work seamlessly on the new device. This is crucial for players who have amassed extensive collections over the years and don’t want to lose access to their games.
It also reduces the risk for new buyers, who can purchase a Switch now and later upgrade to the Switch 2 without worrying about losing their existing games, which some fans say makes the wait for a new console worthwhile.
If it’s still called Nintendo Switch Online, then this successor is definitely Switch 2. Especially if it can play all Switch games (some of them use gimmicks that would be hard to do otherwise).
— Cresso the Grey クレッソザグレー💥 (@Yellowflower42) November 6, 2024
Switch Online is another key feature making the leap to the new console. This service gives players access to classic games across various generations of the brand and it has grown in popularity since its release.
Fans Still Have Their Fingers Crossed Though
Nintendo’s careful approach to backward compatibility is also a wise business strategy. The Switch has built a loyal base over the last eight years and many people have bought hundreds of games.
Will Switch games be enhanced (4K, 60fps, etc.) on the Switch successor or will they run the same as they do on the current Switch?
It would be cool to have an official way to play BOTW, TOTK, etc. at 60fps. Plus fix the framerate issues in Link’s Awakening and Echoes Of Wisdom.
— Allie-RX (@AllieRX) November 6, 2024
But as promising as this news is, many questions remain about the specifics of compatibility. The company has yet to clarify if both digital and physical Switch games will work seamlessly on the new console.
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It has been confirmed it will announce the new console before the end of its fiscal year in March 2025, recent updates suggest that it may hit shelves as soon as early next year. And according to leaks, we might be looking at an April 2025 release.
The company’s choice not to rush the new console out could also be strategic timing. Given the competition from other major companies and their consoles, Nintendo seems intent on maximizing the lifecycle of the original Switch.
This will allow the company to focus on the Switch during the upcoming holiday season. With backward compatibility confirmed, Nintendo can count on a strong, ready-to-play library for anyone who buys the upcoming console.
Will you be buying the new Switch successor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
