Nintendo recently confirmed that its highly anticipated Switch successor will support backward compatibility, allowing current Switch games to be played on the new system. This announcement came from Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa during the company’s Corporate Management Policy Briefing. Furukawa revealed that Nintendo Switch Online, the company’s subscription service offering online play and classic games, will also carry over to the next-generation console.

The successor to the 2017 Nintendo Switch has yet to receive an official name or launch date, but Nintendo has hinted that the new system will debut before March 2025. This backward compatibility will allow players to continue enjoying their existing library of Switch games without needing to repurchase them, which could significantly boost the adoption of the new console. According to Furukawa, consumers will be able to choose from a vast selection of titles, both from existing Switch games and upcoming releases, underscoring Nintendo’s commitment to supporting its extensive player base.

In the briefing, Furukawa stated that backward compatibility aligns with Nintendo’s strategy to maintain its connection with over 100 million active Switch users. By integrating Nintendo Account functionality into the new system, Nintendo aims to make the transition smoother for its customer base, ensuring that players’ experiences and content on the original Switch carry over to the successor console. With the popularity of the Switch soaring during the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to support backward compatibility could help Nintendo retain its player base as it launches the next console.

The importance of backward compatibility has become increasingly relevant as modern consoles seek to address video game preservation. A study by the Video Game History Foundation revealed that over 87% of games released before 2010 are challenging to access, stating the importance of keeping legacy titles available for newer systems. This new compatibility feature might also address concerns from fans over Nintendo’s past practices, where prior consoles like the Wii and Wii U included limited options to play older games. By enabling backward compatibility on the Switch successor, Nintendo is taking steps to ensure that its expansive catalog of games remains accessible, a factor that may influence the new console’s success.

In recent years, Nintendo has made various moves in entertainment and media to expand its brand, including plans for a sequel to the highly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie and investments in theme parks and merchandising. Despite a recent dip in Switch sales, attributed to consumers awaiting the new system, Nintendo has maintained strong engagement through initiatives like Nintendo Switch Online, which offers a growing library of retro games. The company has also recently launched a range of unconventional products, including a music streaming app, and continues to innovate within the gaming industry.

While the exact details of how the backward compatibility will function remain undisclosed, Nintendo has promised further updates in the coming months. For now, fans can look forward to a new console that honors the beloved Switch library, preserving Nintendo’s legacy as it prepares for the next generation of gaming.