As the expected reveal of the 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.

The Switch 2 Is Confirmed To Have Backwards Compatibility

Nintendo's Announcement Comes At A Crucial Time

On October 5, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced on the company's corporate 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 ing 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. By including backwards compatibility, Nintendo is ensuring the retention of its fanbase thanks to its open showcase of accessibility for players.

Switch Games Will Bolster The Switch 2 At Launch

The Switch Is Home To Some Of Nintendo's Greatest Titles

Backwards compatibility is also beneficial as a way to immediately ensure a strong library for the new console. The Switch has had a monumentally successful run, building up a 7-year library that includes some of Nintendo's highest-rated and best-selling games in its history. While the Switch 2 will surely have some major exclusive titles ready for its launch, it will take some time before the console is able to reach a similar height to its predecessor. Backwards compatibility ensures players find use for the Switch 2 while waiting for the new console's heavy hitters to release.

The Switch 2's chances of success are also increased by the addition of Nintendo Switch Online. The subscription service should continue to include NSO's classic games library, making beloved retro titles readily available like before. This isn't even considering the potential of future expansions to the service, from more classic titles to the possible inclusion of consoles like the GameCube or DS. Continuing to build on this foundation could further the initial success of the Switch 2 as the console then becomes the ultimate home for all things Nintendo.

It could still be some time before players get to see how the launch of the Switch 2 will pan out. If there's anything to be sure of, it's that the addition of backwards compatibility is certainly a step in the right direction. Ensuring that fan-favorite titles will continue to be accessible on the new console shows that Nintendo is focused on making the Nintendo Switch 2 an accessible piece of hardware for all players old and new.

Source: Shuntaro Furukawa/X