Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will definitely be backwards compatible, but there is still no release date for the new console.
Nintendo have not revealed much about the Switch 2, and fans don’t know what it’s called, when it will be released or what technological advancements have been made since the Switch was released in 2017.
However, the company has now confirmed that the follow-up to the Nintendo Switch will be able to play current Switch games.
Taking to social media yesterday (November 5), Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa wrote: “At today’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch.”
He went on to confirm that the Nintendo Switch Online library will also be available on the new console. “Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date,” he added.
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
Many fans had hoped the financial meetings would result in a proper announcement for the Nintendo Switch 2, especially since the original was confirmed in October ahead of a March release, but it’s now looking like we won’t get any news until next year.
Nintendo has reconfirmed that their new console will be announced before the end of this current financial year, so expect news before March 31, 2025.
Elsewhere, Nintendo released the ‘Alarmo’ clock last month, which can track your movements until you actually get out of bed while playing a selection of Nintendo-themed alarm tones.
Last week, they launched their own streaming platform with music from Mario, The Legend Of Zelda and Animal Crossing all available for listeners. It has curated playlists for different characters, moods, games and also allows you to create your own custom playlists.
In other news, Warner Bros. has confirmed that a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is the studio’s highest priority and will tie into HBO’s Harry Potter remake which is due out in 2026.