Nintendo Gives Update on Switch 2 Backward Compatibility

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Nintendo Gives Update on Switch 2 Backward Compatibility

Key Takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatible.
  • The upcoming console will also support Nintendo Switch Online.
  • NSO support suggests that the device might still have the word “Switch” in its official name, assuming Nintendo isn’t planning to rebrand the service.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The confirmation of its backward compatibility feature is like a sweet melody to my gaming heart. I remember the good old days when I had to buy a new console just to play the latest games, leaving my old library gathering dust in the closet. But those days are long gone, and it’s a delight to see Nintendo embracing this trend.

The updated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be backwards compatible, as confirmed by Nintendo. This significant aspect could greatly boost the initial acceptance of the new console in the market.

On November 5th, Nintendo unveiled their financial report for the initial half of their ongoing fiscal year. During a subsequent conference call discussing earnings, Nintendo’s President Shuntaro Furukawa hinted at the upcoming Switch 2, confirming that they aim to announce this eagerly awaited device by March 31st, 2025.

At the company’s management policy presentation, some additional information was disclosed about the forthcoming console. Notably, Furukawa confirmed that the long-anticipated Switch 2 is indeed compatible with earlier Switch games. As he stated, Nintendo Switch software can be played on the upcoming console as well. Furthermore, Furukawa unveiled that the new console will offer Nintendo Switch Online, making it the second system from the company to accommodate this subscription service.

To those closely following developments, it might not be unexpected that NSO support and backward compatibility for the next-gen Switch have been suggested. In fact, Furukawa hinted at these features as far back as June 2023, stating that the new console, dubbed Switch 2, will leverage Nintendo Accounts to facilitate a seamless transition for existing Switch owners.

NSO Support Confirmation Might Hint at the Switch 2’s Official Name

By analyzing hints, it seems possible that Nintendo’s new console might include the word “Switch” in its title, as they currently offer a service called “Nintendo Switch Online.” This could be confusing for consumers if the device had a different name. So, considering this, there’s a good chance that Nintendo will follow a naming pattern similar to the Wii U, where the new console is simply an extension of its predecessor’s name rather than a complete change.

Switch 2 Will Have Thousands of Games at Launch

This nickname fits with Nintendo’s declared objective of releasing the “next” Switch, as Furukawa mentioned back in May 2024. Similarly, the backward compatibility feature, now officially confirmed, will be a part of this. With Nintendo’s vast library of over 11,700 Switch games, this function guarantees a huge launch collection for the upcoming console. Therefore, the backward compatibility of the Switch 2 may significantly contribute to the console’s initial commercial success. However, the specifics of how it will operate in practice are yet to be revealed.

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2024-11-06 12:14