Nintendo has confirmed that its upcoming Switch 2 console will be backwards compatible with existing Switch games and software. However, the company did not provide clear information on whether cartridges will remain fully usable in 2025.
In a Corporate Management Policy Briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced that Switch software will be playable on the successor console, and users can keep their Nintendo Switch Online account active on the new system. This suggests that the company plans to focus on maintaining a continuous relationship with consumers across platform generations through its online service.
While Nintendo confirmed that you’ll be able to buy older Switch titles on the Switch 2, it did not provide details on compatibility. The company will officially reveal more information “at a later date.”
The news came after Nintendo reported lower-than-expected sales projections for both Switch hardware and software. The company now expects to sell 12.5 million units, down from its initial goal of 13.5 million.
Nintendo attributes the drop in sales to a lack of high-profile games and tie-in properties, such as Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Despite this, the company claims that sales are still better than past consoles going into their eighth year of existence.
The release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on November 7 is one of the upcoming titles available for Switch software. However, a lack of big tentpole franchises means that consumers may want to consider digital versions first, as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is expected to arrive next year and be a key title straddling both consoles.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/nintendo-confirms-the-switch-2-is-backwards-compatible-but-you-shouldnt-celebrate-just-yet-2000521068