It’s fair to say that Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has had a “busy day.” After all, during a recent financial briefing, he was dropping serious information about the company, its hardware, and its games. However, just when you thought the news was over, he went and confirmed a long-standing report about the Nintendo Switch 2! Specifically, he went to Twitter to note that Switch 2 would be able to play OG Switch titles while also being compatible with Nintendo Switch Online. He didn’t reveal too much more than that but promised that more “information” would be provided 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
Why does this matter? First, backward compatibility is awesome, and it highlights to current Switch users that they won’t need to keep charging both versions of the Switch just to enjoy it. Second, it reveals that the Nintendo Switch 2 will have cartridges for its games, otherwise backward compatibility wouldn’t be possible. Finally, this means that The Big N is continuing with Nintendo Switch Online, which lines up with that “playtest program” that they did a little while ago.
While we still don’t know anything about the Switch 2’s hardware or software, this is a big deal, and many are likely going to be chomping at the bit to learn even more. Well played, Shuntaro Furukawa. Well played.
