Key Takeaways
- Nintendo confirms the Switch successor will be backwards compatible, suggesting a familiar design.
- The next Nintendo console likely to feature a similar body, functions, and physical cartridge use.
- Fans can likely expect the Switch 2 to retain hybrid nature, motion controls, and eShop compatibility.
The successor to the Nintendo Switch has still not been officially revealed, with only rumors and supposed leaks carrying any news of its existence forward. That being said, the Nintendo Switch‘s successor has been confirmed by Nintendo to be real, with the only questions being what it is, what it might look like, and how it might function.
In a recent statement on X/Twitter, president of Nintendo Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the Nintendo Switch’s successor will indeed be backwards compatible with its predecessor. While this is good news in one way, it also makes some pretty hefty suggestions about the next Nintendo console’s design, which may or may not be a good thing depending on perspective.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s Backwards Compatibility Suggests a Similar Design
The Next Nintendo Console Will Likely Feature a Similar Body and Functionality
It has long been wondered whether the Nintendo Switch 2 really will be a Switch 2 or an altogether different console. However, now that Nintendo’s next console has been confirmed to be backwards compatible, it’s all but confirmed to indeed be a Switch 2, though it may have a different name in the end. This would be a significant departure for Nintendo, since the developer is known for trying to innovate with each console rather than remaining mostly the same as other consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation have for generations. Even so, confirmation of the console’s backwards compatibility is good news for those who aren’t ready to let go of their favorite Nintendo Switch games but would still like to get their hands on the Switch’s successor.
With the Nintendo Switch’s successor being backwards compatible, fans can likely expect it to have a similar design philosophy and functionality for something that feels familiar yet fresh. For one thing, the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid nature that features both docked and handheld modes is likely to be retained in the next console, allowing players to seamlessly transition between playing on the console’s monitor and their own separate television or monitor. Secondly, It can be assumed that the Nintendo Switch’s successor will utilize the Switch’s Joy-Cons for motion controls, as there are some games like Ring Fit Adventure that require the use of the Joy-Cons’ motion controls and would therefore be unplayable on the Nintendo Switch’s successor without a similar design.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
is another Nintendo Switch game that makes use of the Joy-Cons’ motion controls, so Nintendo’s next console will need to behave similarly to its predecessor.
The Next Nintendo Console Will Need to Use Physical Cartridges Like Its Predecessor
Thirdly, since the Nintendo Switch’s successor is backwards compatible, it would need to support physical Switch cartridges, so players can count on that feature staying the same for the time being. However, the next Nintendo console will more than likely have greater storage capacity for larger games. Furthermore, any games purchased on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch would also need the console’s successor to repeat its design to a certain extent, as these might require the use of motion controls from the console’s Joy-Cons.
Now that Nintendo’s next console has been confirmed to be backwards compatible, it’s all but confirmed to indeed be a Switch 2, though it may have a different name in the end.
Anyone who was expecting the next Nintendo console to be different from the Nintendo Switch may be disappointed to learn of its backwards compatibility, as it ultimately means the design will essentially be the same. Of course, there will likely be some differences, and Nintendo would be remiss not to ensure there are, since it could potentially result in an underwhelming launch. After all, the Xbox and PlayStation consoles both have enough power to compensate for any lack of innovation in their physical design, but if history has proven anything, it’s that the next Nintendo console likely doesn’t. Nevertheless, the next Nintendo console’s backwards compatibility with the Switch means players will still be able to enjoy their favorite Nintendo Switch games for several years to come.
Nintendo Switch
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The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Battery
- 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required
- Dimensions
- 13.7 x 7.8 x 3.66 inches
- Weight
- 2.65 pounds