Upcoming Console with Backward Compatibility
Nintendo recently shared exciting news at its midyear policy briefing, revealing that its upcoming successor to the Switch console will support backward compatibility with current Switch games. While Nintendo has yet to announce the new console officially, the company has confirmed that players can enjoy their existing game libraries on the new device. Furthermore, Nintendo Switch Online services and user accounts will continue to the next console, maintaining continuity for current subscribers. Additional details about the console and its features are expected to be disclosed in the coming months, including those of Nintendo’s next console.
Current Switch Sales and Subscription Update
Nintendo’s presentation also included insights into the performance of the existing Nintendo Switch, noting a 31 percent year-over-year drop in sales, with 4.72 million units sold over the last three months. Despite this decline, the Switch has achieved significant milestones, reaching a total of 146 million units sold and setting a new record for software sales on any Nintendo platform with 1.3 billion games sold as of September 2024. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions have decreased slightly to around 34 million users, although demand for the premium Expansion Pack service is on the rise. According to Nintendo, the Switch has seen more software engagement than any other Nintendo console, highlighting its continued popularity.
Backward Compatibility and Game Preservation
Backward compatibility has become a pressing issue for console manufacturers, especially given the challenges of preserving older games on Nintendo’s next console. Unlike the transition from the Wii U to the Switch, which involved a shift from discs to cartridges, Nintendo is now prioritizing a smoother experience for its existing user base by ensuring compatibility with current Switch games on its upcoming console. The topic of game preservation is especially relevant given that over 87 percent of games released before 2010 are now classified as “critically endangered,” according to the Video Game History Foundation. Although Nintendo has added some legacy games to the Switch’s catalog, the company’s decision to close the Wii U and 3DS e-shop last year limited access to many classic titles.
Amid recent announcements, including a new museum and a mystery MMO test, Nintendo’s commitment to backward compatibility reflects both a customer-oriented approach and an effort toward digital preservation. The official unveiling of Nintendo’s next console, possibly named the Switch 2, is anticipated before March 2025.
