What to know:
- Nintendo’s next console will be fully compatible with existing Nintendo Switch games.
- Nintendo Switch Online service will continue to be supported on the new system.
- Official announcement made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, with more details promised for later.
Nintendo has made a significant announcement about its highly anticipated next-generation gaming console, confirming that players will be able to enjoy their existing Nintendo Switch game library on the Switch’ successor.
This revelation came during Nintendo’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, where company president Shuntaro Furukawa shared the news with eager fans.
The decision to include backward compatibility represents a strategic move for Nintendo, particularly considering the massive success of the current Switch console, which has sold an impressive 146.04 million units worldwide as of September 2023.
This announcement ensures a smooth transition for existing Switch owners who have built up substantial game libraries. It extends beyond just game compatibility, as Nintendo has confirmed that its Nintendo Switch Online subscription service will also be supported on the new console. This continuation of service suggests that players will maintain access to their online features, classic game libraries, and multiplayer capabilities.
This backward compatibility feature is particularly significant as it breaks from the Switch’s own precedent, which didn’t support games from previous Nintendo consoles. The decision appears well-timed, especially considering that many popular Nintendo titles continue to perform strongly in sales charts, including evergreen games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
While specific details about how the backward compatibility will function remain under wraps, Nintendo has promised to share more information about the console at a later date. The company has previously indicated that the official unveiling of the new system will occur before April 2025.
Source: Nintendo | Via: The Verge
