Nintendo Switch 2 Confirmed to be Backwards Compatible with Current Games

Nintendo has made a significant announcement regarding its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2. During a recent Corporate Management Policy Briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with all current Nintendo Switch games. This news addresses months of speculation and is a welcome relief for gamers who have invested heavily in the current Switch library.

The backwards compatibility feature means that players will be able to continue playing their existing games on the new console, potentially with enhanced resolutions and frame rates. This is particularly exciting for fans of popular titles like *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* and *Super Mario Odyssey*, which will be playable on the new hardware.

In addition to backwards compatibility, Nintendo also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online service will continue on the Switch 2, providing access to online play and a retro catalogue of games. This continuity will help in preserving the gaming experience and ensuring that players can enjoy both new and old games seamlessly.

The announcement came as part of a broader update on Nintendo’s console hardware market status, highlighting the significant success of the Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 146 million units. The briefing also indicated that further details about the Switch 2, including its release date and specifications, will be announced before the end of Nintendo’s current fiscal year, which concludes on March 31, 2025.

While the exact release date of the Switch 2 remains unclear, it is expected to be announced in the first half of 2025, with the console itself likely to be released sometime after April 2025. This timeline aligns with previous statements from Nintendo, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a smooth transition for its loyal user base.