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To express that I’m thrilled about the Nintendo Switch 2 would be an understatement, and it’s evident that many of us share this enthusiasm. After years of news leaks, images, and even prototype Switch 2 units, we’ve finally received our initial glimpse at Nintendo’s latest handheld, and it meets my expectations perfectly.
It’s larger, features an expanded screen, magnetically connectable Joy-Cons, and is presented in a stylish black coat with subtle blue and red accents on each controller (which I really appreciate). Is it a major shift from the Nintendo Switch? Not really, but then again, it’s the “Switch 2,” so I hardly anticipated it to stray from the company’s successful handheld blueprint.
What genuinely captured my interest, however, is the sole characteristic that I wish to see on all forthcoming gaming consoles: backwards compatibility. Immediately, Nintendo declared that classic Nintendo Switch games would be playable on the Switch 2 — inclusive of both digital and physical titles.
With nearly 8 years of its continuously expanding game library, this is a significant advantage for both new and long-time Switch owners. However, there is a small asterisk associated with this.
As Nintendo points out in the trailer: “Nintendo Switch 2 supports both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Certain Nintendo Switch titles may not be suitable or completely compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.”
Nonetheless, this doesn’t concern me in the slightest (more on this later). With backwards compatibility confirmed right from the outset, Nintendo has won my approval, and all subsequent consoles should take this approach.
Backwards compatibility is a winning strategy
In an era of remasters, reboots and reimaginings, we are witnessing numerous opportunities to revisit beloved classics from the past. We’ve observed Sony and Nintendo presenting a lot of these recently, with some successes (Silent Hill 2, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door) and some failures (Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy).
There are only so many occasions I’ll spend money on a remaster or remake — occasionally at full price — of a title I experienced on earlier-generation consoles.
Although I value enhanced visuals, quality-of-life enhancements, and even additional content, sometimes all I desire is a simple method to revisit the game I already own. If I enjoyed a game before, it’s very likely I’ll appreciate it in its current form.
There are only so many occasions I’ll spend money on a remaster or remake — occasionally at full price — of a title I experienced on earlier-generation consoles. Even if it’s a brilliant update like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, it isn’t precisely a title that required an enhancement.
This is why the backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 appears so promising. With my amassed collection of physical and digital Switch titles over the years, I am excited to know I can continue to enjoy all these games on a completely new console. There’s no requirement for a subscription such as PlayStation Plus Premium to access an older title or any further remaster/remake expenditures; all my Switch games will be playable right from the start.
In fact, this concept aligns closely with what the Steam Deck offers, allowing players to access their Steam library for portable PC games. However, not all PC titles are compatible with Steam Deck, while numerous Switch games are certain to excel on the Switch 2. Though, as Nintendo mentions, not all.
(Almost) backward compatible
Despite having seen how the Switch 2 looks and functions, including a glimpse of a potential new Mario Kart, there remains a lot we do not know about Nintendo’s upcoming console. This includes its backward compatibility. While we understand certain Switch titles will not be compatible or supported on the Switch 2, it remains unknown which games those will be.
As the Japanese gaming company states: “Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.” We won’t know definitively until more information is released, but in the meantime, I can make some informed guesses regarding which games this might pertain to.
There are Nintendo Switch exclusive titles, but then there are true Switch exclusive titles. By this, I reference that certain games were crafted solely for the original Switch and nothing beyond that. There are two cases in point: Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Labo.
These two games come with additional accessories that revolve around the design of the original Switch and its controllers. Purely hypothetically, considering the Switch 2 comes with a new design and controllers, these titles (along with their add-ons) may not operate in the same manner on the Switch 2.
It would be reasonable if Switch games of this nature weren’t “fully compatible” with the Switch 2. However, who knows, these could function somehow, or Nintendo might be referring to other titles in its extensive library.
At the very least, I’m aware that Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be backward compatible, as per the trailer. If games of that genre can be played on the Switch 2, then Nintendo’s backward compatibility approach is definitely heading in a positive direction.
Concluding thoughts
There’s still a lot to discover about the Nintendo Switch 2, from its display, performance, and all the new games anticipated to arrive on the handheld. Personally, however, I already know that I’m going to secure a purchase.
I would detest losing access to my numerous Switch games that I’ve gathered over the years (especially with plenty of nieces and nephews around), but I am also in search of an upgraded handheld. The Switch 2 ensures both of those aspects are addressed.
We’ll be finding out more about Nintendo’s eagerly awaited console when it launches sometime in 2025, with a Nintendo Direct planned for April. For more insights on what to expect, take a look at the Switch 2’s 5 biggest upgrades you need to know about.
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