Nintendo has announced that current Switch games will be playable on its upcoming successor, aiming to generate excitement among existing users for the new device.
The decision was met with a 5.8% increase in shares in Tokyo, as investors believe it signifies a cautious approach by Nintendo, opting to build upon the success of its previous console rather than taking significant risks.
Backward compatibility is crucial for console makers, offering several benefits: increased game selection, alleviating concerns from potential buyers waiting for new titles, and boosting the new device’s appeal. By making older games available, Nintendo addresses these concerns, ensuring a smoother transition for current users and providing an attractive reason to upgrade.
The Switch remains Nintendo’s second-best-selling console, but demand is slowly waning. To reignite interest, the company has relied on releasing popular titles like Zelda and Pokémon, as well as expanding into new areas such as movies. The upcoming successor, set to be announced in March 2025, will likely benefit from this strategy, ensuring a continued loyal user base and driving excitement for the new console launch.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/06/nintendo-says-current-switch-games-will-be-playable-on-new-console.html