Nintendo recently released its official first look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, showing off its components and new features. In the video, you can see the console’s new look and features such as a support hinge similar to the Switch’s OLED version and new connectors for the Joy-Cons.
The focus of the teaser was mainly on the physical attributes of the console, so very little was revealed in terms of software. Only a preview of what appears to be a new Mario Kart game was shown. Also, the long-rumored backward compatibility was confirmed. The last part of the video shows a message confirming the feature. However, this compatibility may not be available for all console titles.
Nintendo Switch 2’s Backward Compatibility Comes With a Caveat
Both Physical and Digital Compatibility Were Confirmed
RelatedNintendo has officially revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 in a brief video showcasing the changes from the original console.
In the video, it is stated that the Nintendo Switch 2 will run both its own games and those of its predecessor. Moreover, backward compatibility is not limited to physical cartridges, as digital games purchased for the original Nintendo Switch would also be available to play on this successor. This system may work similarly to PlayStation, where digital games associated with an account can be downloaded on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
However, as confirmed by Nintendo’s official website, it was announced that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible”. So far, it is not known what specific conditions games must meet to be compatible with the new console, but more information about this may be revealed in the official Nintendo Direct prepared for Apr. 2, 2025. More information will be posted on the Nintendo website at a later date.
Some Specific Gimmicks May Be Why Some Games Are Locked To the Original Nintendo Switch
While there has been no specific comment on what conditions will determine whether a game will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, many speculate that it could be a hardware issue, specifically the controllers. Since its launch, the Joy-Cons have been touted for their specific features, such as their accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the IR motion camera on the right controller.
RelatedLeakers have caused big problems for Nintendo.
These same features would be the basis for some of the console’s more unusual experiments, such as the Nintendo Labo series of games, or even the Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports launches. It is very likely that if the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons have changes in their technology, especially in the IR Motion Camera, this could be the reason for some games not being able to run on the new console.
In any case, the Nintendo Switch’s most popular games will likely be compatible with its successor. The preview confirmed the presence of Super Mario Wonder, for example. Famous games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, and Pikmin 4 are likely to receive the same treatment as well. Also, with a library of more than 11,000 games available, it stands to reason that some lesser-known titles may not be able to be smoothly ported to new hardware.
Source: Nintendo
