According to the latest buzz, the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 might offer backward compatibility. This feature would let gamers continue enjoying their current games on the new platform.
Reputable insider Nate the Hate recently revealed that, according to his sources, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature this backward compatibility. This news follows reports about Hosiden, one of Nintendo’s key partners, investing close to 3 billion yen in production equipment and automation for Nintendo by March 2025.
For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its expected features, check out our detailed article on the Switch 2 rumors. You might also be interested in our piece on confirmed backward compatibility on the Switch 2.
Backward Compatibility on the Nintendo Switch 2
Backward compatibility seems like an obvious choice for the Switch 2, and it’s not the first time this feature has come up. Nate the Hate previously shared on the ResetEra forum that partner developers are currently testing this feature on the yet-to-be-announced console. However, the extent of graphical enhancements it might bring is still unclear. He believes it’s unlikely that these games will see major performance gains, but rather minor improvements.
Instead of issuing patches for older games, Nate suggests that developers might opt to re-release updated versions of games to offset development costs. This approach would allow gamers to enjoy an enhanced experience while justifying higher prices for these optimized games.
Nintendo’s Stance on the Issue
Back in October 2023, Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, hinted that backward compatibility would be a key element in the transition to the Switch 2. He mentioned that creating Nintendo accounts would facilitate a smoother transition between console generations, ensuring that gamers could transfer their existing content and investments to the new platform.
This statement bolsters the possibility that current Switch users will be able to play their old titles on the next-generation console, which is a huge advantage for Nintendo in terms of maintaining player loyalty.