Nintendo Switch 2 To Introduce Backward Compatibility, All Switch Games Will Be Playable On Its Successor

Backward compatibility in the next Nintendo device could be a key strategy to encourage loyal Switch users to upgrade, while simultaneously enhancing the value of Nintendo’s massive software library.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed on Wednesday that games developed for the Switch console will be compatible with its upcoming successor. The Kyoto-based gaming giant has indicated that it will reveal more about the new device by the end of the financial year in March 2025, though specific details remain under wraps. Furukawa said, “Nintendo Switch is currently being played with by many customers so we decided it would be optimal for them to be able to play their Switch software on the successor model.”

He added, “Customers will be able to enjoy the games they own and choose their next title from the lineup of games already on the market.”

Nintendo's Performance In Market

Backward compatibility in the next Nintendo device could be a key strategy to encourage loyal Switch users to upgrade, while simultaneously enhancing the value of Nintendo’s massive software library. With over 1.3 billion software units sold globally, the Switch has built an extensive portfolio of popular titles, appealing to both casual and dedicated gamers. Over the course of its eight years, the hybrid console has solidified its position in the market, benefiting from a combination of blockbuster games and regular hardware upgrades that have kept its appeal strong.

Despite this success, Nintendo is facing a cooling demand for its hardware. On Tuesday, the company revised its full-year Switch sales forecast, lowering it by 7 per cent to 12.5 million units, indicating waning consumer interest as the device ages. This reduction comes just before the critical year-end shopping season, a period when gaming hardware typically sees a spike in sales.

As per a Reuters report, Jefferies analyst, Atul Goyal, in a client note wrote, “We are not surprised by the miss on the (hardware) side, given that Nintendo’s target markets appear fairly saturated in most geographies. Software sales picked up in 2Q and are expected to continue in 3Q.”

Nintendo sold 39.6 million software units in the second quarter ending in September, marking a 29 per cent rise from the previous quarter. Following this news, the company’s shares gained 5 per cent in Tokyo, outpacing the 2 per cent increase seen in the benchmark index.