Nintendo has officially confirmed that the upcoming successor to the Nintendo Switch will feature backwards compatibility, allowing users to play their existing Switch games. During a recent company briefing, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that software from the current generation will be accessible on the new console, commonly referred to as the Switch 2. The announcement was made alongside the release of the company’s financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ends on March 31, 2025.
Nintendo Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility
The company also indicated that Nintendo Switch Online, its subscription service that offers online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a selection of classic games, will be offered on the new console as well.
“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,” the Nintendo president stated in a post on X via the company’s official account. “Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about the successor to Nintendo Switch, including its compatibility with Nintendo Switch, will be announced at a later date.”
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
In discussing Nintendo’s financial performance for the second quarter of FY 2025, Furukawa emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with customers. “We believe that it is crucial for Nintendo’s future to utilize Nintendo Account and build upon the positive connections we have formed with the over 100 million annual players on Nintendo Switch,” he explained.
“In addition to being able to play Nintendo Switch software they currently own, consumers will be able to choose their next purchase from a broad selection of titles released for Nintendo Switch,” he added.
While specific details regarding the release schedule for the Nintendo Switch 2 were not disclosed, Nintendo assured that an official announcement would occur before the conclusion of the current fiscal year.
Nintendo’s financial report for the second quarter, ending September 30, 2024, indicated a year-over-year decline in hardware and software sales. The company sold 4.72 million units of the Nintendo Switch during the quarter, marking a 31 percent drop in quarterly sales compared to the previous fiscal year. Consequently, Nintendo revised its sales forecast for the Switch in fiscal year 2025 from 13.5 million units to 12.5 million units. Cumulative sales of the Nintendo Switch have now reached 146 million units.
