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As the announcements from Nintendo Direct continue to pour in, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Switch 2 is palpable. However, amidst the enthusiasm, there are critical details that gaming enthusiasts should be aware of.
One significant point of concern is the backward compatibility of games. Unlike previous transitions, you won’t have access to the entire library of Switch 1 games on the new platform.
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 is built on an entirely new architecture that “doesn’t contain any Switch hardware.” Although it’s possible to transition some beloved titles to the new system, the level of compatibility will differ from the seamless experience seen with platforms like the DS and 3DS.
Here’s what you need to know about this transition.
The Switch 2 emphasizes hardware performance enhancements
In a recent installment of Nintendo’s Ask the Developer series, key figures including Producer Kouichi Kawamoto and Senior Director Takuhiro Dohta addressed inquiries about the forthcoming device.
During the Q&A, the developers acknowledged that backward compatibility was considered in the planning stages, but highlighted that their primary goal was to enhance performance and capacity. “Compatibility was a lower priority,” as they focused on improving the system’s overall capabilities.
This resulted in a refreshed console devoid of any original Switch components. Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager of Technology Development, elaborated on the complexities of achieving compatibility, stating, “The methods for ensuring compatibility between systems like the DS and 3DS are completely different from those used for the Switch and Switch 2.”
Kawamoto further clarified that previous devices, such as the Wii U and 3DS, included hardware from their predecessors, which the Switch 2 does not.
For those curious about game compatibility, Nintendo provides an up-to-date list of Switch games that will not be compatible with the Switch 2.
However, it’s not all negative news
Despite the limitations in backward compatibility, many popular titles from the original Switch will play seamlessly on the new platform. Dohta describes the technology as “something that’s somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility,” allowing most players to enjoy their games without interruption.
Additionally, nearly all first-party Nintendo games will be accessible on Switch 2, with the exception of Fitness Boxing.
Sasaki mentioned that while specific titles that relied heavily on the original hardware might face issues, the team’s rigorous testing has led to improvements that helped bridge many gaps. “We’ve found that while not every problem can be solved, we can address challenges for many games,” he affirmed.
In fact, the advanced hardware of the Switch 2 may lead to enhanced gaming experiences, with faster load times and more stable performance for some titles.
Players can also look forward to new features such as GameChat, enabling voice chat and screen sharing with up to 12 players at once—an excellent addition for social gaming sessions.
In summary, while it’s advisable to check the compatibility list to ensure your favorite games are playable, the majority of Switch titles will be available on the Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5, with preorders starting on April 9.
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www.techradar.com