One of the biggest features confirmed by Nintendo for the Switch 2 is backward compatibility, and it which allows users to access and play old games on the new device.
However, it is known that previous backward compatibility technology centered mostly on hardware compatibility, which means that users have to physically own a copy, but Nintendo is changing this with the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2's Hybrid Approach for Backward Compatibility
In the latest "Ask the Developer Vol. 16: Nintendo Switch 2 Part 4," the Switch 2 development team has revealed a lot about how this latest gaming device was designed, including its features. Nintendo's developers and executives, including Tetsuya Sasaki, Takuhiro Dohta, and Kouichi Kawamoto, addressed questions regarding how the new console's backwards compatibility works.
The developers revealed the new hybrid approach that they applied to the Switch 2's system, which focuses on backwards compatibility, particularly as it is not exclusive to hardware-based technology only.
This is because the Switch 2 can now combine this hardware approach with a software-level emulation that transforms the original Switch game's data into a real-time solution for the new console.
It was revealed by the developers that playing original Switch games on the new console would require the Switch 2 to run at full capacity, and one of its massive caveats is that it would drain its battery life. That being said, users may have the option to play these old-generation games while the Switch 2 is docked so that they don't have to worry about the console's efficiency and battery charge.
Enjoy Original Switch Games on Your New Switch 2
It is important to note that this will only happen for games that are not receiving a port or free upgrade that would make it directly available for the Switch 2 without the need to use the backward compatibility feature. This is because various titles will get a free Switch 2 update, working like a port that makes it a native game to enjoy via the new device.
Moreover, this would be different from the other games that will get additional content from their developers,meant for its Switch 2 run, as per GameRant.
Nevertheless, allowing backward compatibility and introducing a new solution to bring these old games to the new console is a massive move for Nintendo as it opens up the Switch 2 to thousands of games available to enjoy at day one.
While there would only be a handful of new games meant for the Switch 2 that are launching alongside it, players would be able to enjoy old Switch titles as well without the extra cost or effort to make it work.
