In a new statement, Nintendo has clarified its approach to backwards compatibility between titles released on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Speaking to GameFile, Nintendo revealed that its decision to bring backwards compatibility to the Switch 2 was made because it was the “best direction to take” for customers.
“Nintendo Switch is played by many consumers, and we decided that the best direction to take would be for consumers to be able to play their already purchased Nintendo Switch software on the successor to Nintendo Switch,” said the company. “As a result of that thinking, Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.”
It is worth noting that the company hasn’t yet provided more details on the Switch 2 as of yet, with the statement asking fans to wait for the planned Switch 2-centric Direct slated for April 2.
Nintendo had originally announced that the Switch 2 would be capable of running physical and digital copies of games that were originally released on the Switch earlier this month when it unveiled its upcoming console for the first time. The console was unveiled with a trailer that focused more on the console’s design.
While not too many details about the Switch 2 were revealed, we did get to learn that the new console will have an improved kickstand, as well as a new magnet-based mechanism for attaching and detaching its JoyCon controllers. The right JoyCon also seems to have a mysterious new button, referred to as the C button, the functions of which haven’t been announced yet.
The Switch 2 will also be larger than the original Switch, likely to make the console not only more ergonomic, but to also provide better ventilation for its more powerful hardware.
While no games have been announced for the Switch 2 yet, Nintendo did tease what could potentially be a new Mario Kart, which seemingly boasts a larger number of players per race track. Ubisoft has also been seemingly working on games to release on the Switch 2, with a rumour indicating that Assassin’s Creed Shadows might also be coming to the new console. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is also rumoured to be coming to the Switch 2.
More rumours came up recently, indicating that several titles by companies under Microsoft were also being ported to the Switch 2. These titles ranged from Halo: The Master Chief Collection, to Starfield, and even Diablo 4. These same rumours also indicated that Tekken 8 and Elden Ring would be coming to the Switch 2.
Analysts have also been speculating about the Switch 2’s potential success, with some saying that, while the new console will sell quite well when it launches this year, it might still take some time for it to hit the same sales numbers as the original Switch, owing to the unique circumstances of that consoles launch.
