Nintendo Switch 2's Backwards Compatibility Announcement Could Not Be More Obvious, Especially Considering The Switch's 7-Year Games Library

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As the expected reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 edges ever closer, fans are becoming desperate for any semblance of news regarding the new console. Now, after months of speculation and rumors, Nintendo has finally given the first details about the successor to the Nintendo Switch, clarifying that the next console will have backwards compatibility with the original Switch. The news itself is certainly exciting, but it's not all that surprising.

While it's not as significant as a full console reveal, the announcement of the Switch 2's backwards compatibility is certainly encouraging for current Switch owners. Players can rest easy knowing that they'll have a platform that allows them to go back to their own library of games at their own convenience. Nintendo's timing of the announcement is sudden, but the decision to add backwards compatibility is fairly obvious. In fact, when considering the Switch's monumental run, this decision is a necessity to ensure the success of the Switch 2.

On October 5, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced on the company's corporate account on X that backwards compatibility would be added to the Nintendo Switch successor, alongside the continued presence of Nintendo Switch Online. The announcement comes at a crucial time, as Nintendo will want to prove that its next console can continue the success brought on by the Switch. The implementation of backwards compatibility achieves just that, ensuring the audience Nintendo accumulated on the Switch will be willing to move over to the Switch 2.

Backwards compatibility isn't simply another console feature, but an inclusion that serves as recognition of fans' dedication to supporting Nintendo's content and the company's willingness to preserve these titles. Failing to offer this feature would run an enormous risk of alienating the audience, as returning players are denied an accessible way to play beloved titles, while new players could miss out on the opportunity to enjoy said classics.