(Image credit: Bethesda)
The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 promises to allow fans to enjoy a substantial selection of original Switch titles, yet it’s not without its limitations. According to Nintendo, overcoming technical challenges was necessary to support even a portion of the previous system’s vast library.
In a candid discussion, Switch 2 director Takuhiro Dohta shed light on the development focus. He remarked, “When we first started Switch 2 development, enhancing its hardware performance was paramount.” Consequently, compatibility took a backseat. This differed from past experiences with systems like the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, which had hardware designs that supported backward compatibility more seamlessly.
Some clarity was offered by producer Kouichi Kawamoto, who noted, “Simply put, those systems were compatible because Nintendo 3DS contained Nintendo DS hardware and Wii U contained Wii hardware.” This simple hardware inclusion doesn’t apply to Switch 2, which lacks any direct Switch hardware integration.
Instead, the Switch 2 utilizes a hybrid method, lying between a software emulator and hardware compatibility. This method transforms Switch 1 data in real-time to make it playable on the new system, without the heavy battery drain that a full software emulator would require.
Nintendo has been transparent in publishing an initial list of original Switch games incompatible with the new console. This list includes graphically intense games, such as Doom Eternal, and some Arcade Archives titles. Additionally, games like Fall Guys, Factorio, and Alien: Isolation may exhibit in-game compatibility issues.
Despite these challenges, Nintendo remains optimistic, emphasizing that 122 first-party and over 15,000 third-party games are approved for backward compatibility. Continuous improvements are on the horizon as Nintendo collaborates with developers to expand compatibility further.
To stay informed about all the exciting upcoming Switch 2 games, you can explore weekly digests and compelling community stories on the official Nintendo page.