In a recent statement, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that existing Nintendo Switch software will “also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch”, which should mean, or it means to us, that existing Switch titles will work on the follow-up console. The confirmation that the software will carry over comes despite Nintendo’s reluctance to reveal physical details about the new console, including its name or form. Furukawa also reassured fans that the popular Nintendo Switch Online service will continue on the new device, suggesting a seamless transition for current subscribers who enjoy a variety of classic games and multiplayer services.
Here is the full quote:
“This is Furukawa. At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date.”
This is Furukawa. At today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…
— 任天堂株式会社（企業広報・IR） (@NintendoCoLtd) November 6, 2024
Although Nintendo has yet to provide concrete details or even an official codename for the successor (aside from “the successor“), the company’s confirmation of backwards compatibility hints at a continuation of its hybrid gaming philosophy. This announcement comes at a time when Nintendo has only acknowledged that a follow-up to the wildly successful Switch, which has sold over 129 million units globally, is in the works and that more details will come soon.
Alleged leaks that have surfaced online, showcasing what enthusiasts are already dubbing the “Switch 2″ include images of the device, dock, and even contain hardware performance specifications. This successor console is expected to maintain the basic design of the original Switch only physically larger and with noticeable performance upgrades. These leaks suggest that the new device will feature a larger display and bigger Joy-Con controllers while retaining its hybrid functionality.
In terms of hardware, reports indicate that the “Switch 2” will be comparable to the PlayStation 4 in power and performance—a significant leap that positions it to better handle modern games with enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay. The docking station, however, appears to be getting some major design changes. You can Google around to see those for yourself as they aren’t hard to find but we aren’t about to share these details here.
Despite this swirl of information, questions remain about the timing of the console’s full reveal. While many industry experts predict that an announcement could be made before the holiday season to capitalize on shopping trends, others speculate that Nintendo may hold off until early 2025 to ensure a splashy introduction with ample production time and encouraging gamers to pickup existing Switch models with presumed discount packages expected to come ahead of Christmas.
As the gaming community waits for further news, this recent development has only deepened the anticipation surrounding Nintendo’s next major leap in console gaming. Whether called the “Switch 2” or something entirely new, one thing is certain: fans can expect to play their current favorites and continue enjoying Nintendo’s signature online features when it finally arrives.
