In an exciting update for gamers, Nintendo has revealed that its highly anticipated successor to the Switch will be fully compatible with all existing Switch games. This information emerged during the company's recent midyear policy briefing. While Nintendo has yet to unveil the new console officially, they assure players that their Nintendo Switch Online services and accounts will carry over to the new system, enhancing continuity for gamers with extensive libraries.

Recent sales figures for the current Nintendo Switch show a robust performance, with 4.72 million units sold in the last quarter. This marks a 31% drop compared to the same timeframe last year, but it still significantly outpaces sales from previous consoles at a similar stage in their lifecycles. Overall, the Switch has sold an impressive 146 million units to date. Additionally, software sales on the platform have reached a staggering 1.3 billion units as of September 30, 2024, setting a new record for Nintendo.

While Nintendo is experiencing a slight decline in Switch Online subscription numbers, which hover around 34 million members, interest in the higher-priced Expansion Pack continues to grow, indicating that players are keen to access a broader library of games.

The dialogue around backward compatibility is increasingly relevant in today’s gaming landscape, not just from a user satisfaction standpoint but also concerning the preservation of video game history. A recent report from the Video Game History Foundation highlights a troubling statistic: over 87% of games released before 2010 are deemed "critically endangered" or unavailable for purchase. Despite Nintendo bringing a selection from its back catalog to the Switch, many titles remain inaccessible, a situation further exacerbated by the recent closure of the Wii U and 3DS e-shop.

As the gaming community waits eagerly for further information, it's worth noting that the speculation surrounding the Switch successor, often referred to as "Switch 2" for convenience, maintains a focus on maintaining connections with the more than 100 million users currently engaging with the Switch platform. Nintendo plans to officially unveil the new console before the end of the fiscal year, which concludes in March 2025.

Interestingly, the lead-up to the successor's debut has been filled with unique announcements from Nintendo, including the opening of a dedicated gaming museum, the testing of a mysterious MMO, the launch of an unconventional alarm clock, and the introduction of a music streaming app. The anticipation is palpable, and as details about the Switch successor start to emerge, fans are gearing up for what could be another remarkable chapter in Nintendo's storied gaming history.