The Switch 2 is on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer. While there’s no official launch yet, a statement from Nintendo’s President Shintaro Furukawa at a recent corporate briefing confirmed a major feature: backward compatibility. Your current Switch games and Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) services will be accessible on the next-gen console, making the transition smooth and stress-free for fans invested in the Switch library. This was hinted at last month by Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser in an Inverse report.

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…

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At the briefing, Furukawa clarified that Switch software and NSO access will be fully supported on the new console. Although Nintendo plans to reveal more details later, including expanded compatibility, they’re prioritising continuity. This backward compatibility even hints at certain Switch games being available for purchase directly on launch day.

Nintendo’s relatively new account system is a significant factor behind this seamless experience. Introduced during the Switch’s era, Nintendo accounts link player data and purchases directly to each user, allowing Nintendo to maintain player loyalty and avoid the abrupt cutoffs of past console transitions.

An official announcement about the new console is expected within this fiscal year, which began on 1 October 2024 and runs through 30 September 2025. This timeline aligns well with upcoming titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and an anticipated Generation 10 release. Speculation around the console’s debut is soaring, and the excitement only deepens as Nintendo hints at expanding the NSO Classic Games Library – already home to titles from the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance.

The briefing also underscored strong momentum for iconic Nintendo franchises since the Switch’s 2017 release, with Kirby, Pikmin, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Metroid experiencing massive growth. With Metroid Prime 4 slated for March and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD expected in January, it’s evident that fan favourites will keep coming back, potentially marking the beginning of more major returns with the Switch 2. Nintendo’s keeping us guessing, but one thing’s certain: it’s a thrilling time to be a fan.