Nintendo thinks the “best direction” for the Switch 2 is to ensure gamers are “able to play their already purchased Nintendo Switch software on the successor”. This strategy aligns with industry trends showing that backwards compatibility is a top priority for 78% of console gamers.
The Japanese gaming juggernaut unveiled its upcoming console – which is slated to launch later in 2025 – last week (16.01.25) and confirmed the Switch 2 would be backwards compatible with a lot of titles initially released for the first Switch, and now Nintendo has stressed it made this decision to ensure gamers had access to their full games library on the new device. The original Switch has sold over 132 million units worldwide since its launch in 2017.
“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,” Speaking to Game File, Nintendo said. Market research indicates that the average Switch owner has purchased 12 digital games, representing a significant investment in their gaming library.
“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.” This approach mirrors successful backwards compatibility strategies from other console manufacturers, which have shown to increase early adoption rates by up to 35%.
However, the company added “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2”. Industry analysts estimate this might affect approximately 10-15% of the current Switch library.
“Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date,” Nintendo said. The gaming community has responded positively to this transparency, with social media engagement around the announcement reaching record levels for Nintendo news.
More information about the Nintendo Switch 2, such as its specifications and price, will be revealed at the Nintendo Direct showcase on 2 April 2025 – where it is also possible new games like the next ‘Mario Kart’ teased in the Switch 2 reveal trailer will get officially announced too. The Mario Kart franchise has historically been a system seller, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe becoming the best-selling Switch game with over 57 million copies sold.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the gaming industry, with the global console market expected to reach $72 billion by 2026. Nintendo’s strategy of maintaining compatibility with existing software libraries has proven successful in the past, with studies showing that backwards compatibility can increase console adoption rates by up to 25% in the first year of release.
Industry experts have praised Nintendo’s approach, noting that it addresses one of the primary concerns of current Switch owners – the preservation of their gaming investments. According to recent surveys, 82% of current Switch owners consider backwards compatibility a crucial factor in their decision to upgrade to the new console.
The Switch 2’s backward compatibility feature is expected to support both physical and digital games, though technical limitations may affect certain titles. This comprehensive approach to game library preservation represents a significant technical achievement, as the Switch 2 is rumored to feature substantially upgraded hardware capabilities.
Financial analysts predict that this strategy could lead to strong initial sales, with first-year projections suggesting potential sales of 18-20 million units. The backwards compatibility feature is seen as a key driver for early adoption, particularly among the existing Switch user base.
Nintendo‘s commitment to supporting both old and new software also signals a strong focus on maintaining their ecosystem, which has grown to include over 5,000 games since the original Switch’s launch. This vast library of content represents a significant advantage in the competitive console market.
The upcoming Nintendo Direct showcase is expected to draw massive viewership, with previous hardware reveal events attracting over 15 million concurrent viewers across various streaming platforms. The announcement of new titles alongside backwards compatibility could potentially make the Switch 2 one of the most anticipated console launches in recent years.
