In a new statement, Nintendo has clarified its approach to backwards compatibility between titles released on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.
Speaking to GameFile, Nintendo revealed that its decision to bring backwards compatibility to the Switch 2 was made because it was the “best direction to take” for customers. “Nintendo Switch is played by many consumers, and we decided that the best direction to take would be for consumers to be able to play their already purchased Nintendo Switch software on the successor to Nintendo Switch,” said the company. “As a result of that thinking, Nintendo Switch 2 plays Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.
Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.” It is worth noting that the company hasn’t yet provided more details on the Switch 2 as of yet, with the statement asking fans to wait for the planned Switch 2-centric Direct slated for April 2.
Nintendo had originally announced that the Switch 2 would be capable of running physical and digital copies of games that were originally released on the Switch earlier this month when it unveiled its upcoming console for the first time.
The console was unveiled with a trailer that focused more on the console’s design. While not too many details about the Switch 2 were revealed, we did get to learn that the new console will have an improved kickstand, as well as a new magnet-based mechanism for attaching and detaching its JoyCon controllers.