Switch 2 backward compatibility rumour is a big win for gamers

Switch 2 backward compatibility rumour is a big win for gamers
Image via Nintendo

Written by 

Joseph Kime

Published 

12th Feb 2024 15:00

The Nintendo Switch successor has blasted the rumour mill wide open, and we're now in the territory of real evidence about the next Nintendo home console. We love the Switch, but as it's time to move on to pastures new, fans are laying out their hopes - with backwards compatibility being the biggest for many.

After all, if Nintendo is going for a full sequel to the Joy-Con-toting hybrid console, why not give those same players the chance to keep their Animal Crossing progress and Tears of the Kingdom cartridges along the way? Thank the heavens, a new rumour has appeared, seemingly confirming our hopes for the console.

Switch 2 rumour points to physical and digital backward compatibility

Mario after capturing a frog in Super Mario Odyssey.
Click to enlarge
Image via Nintendo

A new rumour is doing the rounds that indicates that the next Nintendo home console, expected to be a full successor to the Nintendo Switch, will be packing backwards compatibility for both physical and digital games for its whole lifespan.

The rumour from UniversoNintendo states that not only can fans expect a chance to play the games that they already own, but they can also hold out hope for upgraded versions of the titles. It's apparently thanks to developers being offered the means to upgrade their games to match the specs of the new console.

This is a relief to some, given that we've had no indication that we won't have to buy the games we love all over again. Still, it seems that the chance to upgrade our games could come in handy, especially as the specifications indicate that we could be in for the most powerful Nintendo console yet.

Switch 2 could be getting a massive upgrade

A Nintendo Switch open on its homepage.
Click to enlarge
Image via Unsplash - Yasin Hasan

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Get exclusive news, content, and discounts sent directly to your inbox

You've joined our newsletter. Thank you!
Sorry, there has been an issue in subscribing to the newsletter.

Some much-needed backward compatibility follows a claim by Reuters that the Switch 2/Pro may need to wheel out these game upgrades. The site claims the next Switch will be packing a custom Nvidia chip that serves as an upgrade to the console's current Tegra X1 chip by the same company.

It's hoped that this update will lead to more amplified framerates, but we're going to have to wait to see the effect that it has on the console. Along with a bigger eight-inch screen, the next Switch looks like it's going to be beefier. One thing's for sure, though - we can't wait to see what this Switch 2 can do.

Joseph Kime
About the author
Joseph Kime
Joseph Kime is the Senior Trending News Journalist for GGRecon from Devon, UK. Before graduating from MarJon University with a degree in Journalism, he started writing music reviews for his own website before writing for the likes of FANDOM, Zavvi and The Digital Fix. He is host of the Big Screen Book Club podcast, and author of Building A Universe, a book that chronicles the history of superhero movies. His favourite games include DOOM (2016), Celeste and Pokemon Emerald.
Why trust GGRecon?

Established in 2019, we don’t just cover games - we live them. Our expert team is full of dedicated gamers, qualified journalists, and industry insiders who collectively boast decades of experience covering gaming and esports. This deep-rooted expertise allows us to provide authoritative and nuanced perspectives first-hand from a team who are playing, and researching every game covered on our website. 

Our foundation is built on a profound commitment to editorial independence, ensuring our content remains free from external influence and advertising pressures and is held to the highest level of editorial conduct, integrity, and quality. 

Every article on GGRecon comes from rigorous research, informed analysis, and a passion for gaming that resonates with our readers. We uphold these standards through a transparent editorial policy, accessible here, which governs our processes and maintains our accountability.

Trending
Potential Switch 2 leaks tease an evolution of the OG console
'Fake’ Valve VR headset dents our Half-Life revival hopes
PlayStation’s console market took a big hit in 2023
New Nintendo Switch console tipped to give us 8 inches in 2024
Secretlab reveals TITAN Evo Lite chair, and it's 20% cheaper