Nintendo has officially confirmed one of the most anticipated features of its next console, which many call 'Switch 2'. According to an official statement, the new console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch games, which will allow players to continue enjoying their already purchased titles without having to buy them again, since many users feared losing access to their current library of games when moving to the next generation. The announcement was made by Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, who also confirmed that Nintendo Switch Online, the paid system that allows you to play online and access a collection of classic titles from multiple generations, will be present on Switch 2.
Switch 2 will be backwards compatible: an expected feature
Finally, we can say that Switch 2 will offer backwards compatibility, a feature that has been in the air for a long time and has now been officially confirmed. The compatibility will allow play current Nintendo Switch titles on its successor without any issues, although it is not yet clear whether there will be improvements in the resolution or performance of these titles, as is the case on other consoles such as Xbox Series X|S.
This announcement dispels any doubts that there were regarding the Switch 2's ability to manage the catalog of games from its predecessorHowever, no further details were given on how it will work with both physical and digital formats, though current Switch cartridges are expected to be used on the new console. It has not been confirmed if there will be any new physical format. for future titles of the new hardware platform, the name by which they officially refer to it.
They will keep Nintendo Switch Online
Another of the great revelations announced by Furukawa is that the service of Nintendo Switch Online, which offers access to a library of retro games, including NES and SNES titles, as well as the ability to play online, will continue to be available on Switch 2. The service is expected to remain much as we know it, albeit with possible improvements. One of the most important elements is that the Current user subscription should continue without problems on the new console, and players won't have to worry about losing their progress or online benefits.
[2/2] We will share more information about the successor to the Nintendo Switch in the future, including compatibility with the Nintendo Switch.
- Nintendo Spain (@NintendoES) November 6, 2024
Furukawa also mentioned that more details about the catalog could arrive in future updates. retro games available on Nintendo Switch Online, which could make the transition to the new console much more attractive. Although no further details have been given about its content, many are hoping that new systems such as GameCube could be integrated into the service, which would be quite surprising.
What else is known about Switch 2?
While Nintendo has confirmed that the compatibility will be full, the truth is that it has not yet revealed the official name of the new console, nor other important technical details about its hardware. Expectations point to the Switch 2 being an evolution of the current Nintendo Switch, with improvements in design and performance. It is rumored that Switch 2 could use NVIDIA's DLSS technology to offer greater graphical performance on a portable console, which would be a significant leap forward from the current generation.
Rumors also indicate that the Switch 2 could have a slightly larger design. than the current model and would have magnetic Joy-Cons, which would improve the precision and durability of the controllers. However, these details have not yet been confirmed by Nintendo.
When will we know more?
The announcement of this backwards compatibility has generated quite a bit of excitement among fans, but Nintendo still has several cards up its sleeve up its sleeve. The company is expected to reveal more information about Switch 2 in the coming months, with an official presentation expected before April 2025Until then, we will continue to stay tuned for any news that the Big N has to share.