The Switch 2's backwards compatibility is a testament to its design

Key conclusions

• Nintendo confirms that the next Switch will be backwards compatible, suggesting a familiar design.
• Nintendo's next console will likely have a similar body, features, and physical use of the cartridge.
• Fans are likely expecting the Switch 2 to retain its hybrid nature, motion controls, and online store compatibility.

The successor of Art Nintendo Switch has not yet been officially disclosed, only rumors and alleged leaks report its existence. That being said, the successor to the Nintendo Switch has been confirmed by Nintendo as real, with the only questions being what it is, what it might look like, and how it might work.

In a recent statement on X/Twitter, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced that the successor to the Nintendo Switch will indeed be backwards compatible with its predecessor. ​​​​​​While this is good news on the one hand, it also makes some pretty serious suggestions about the design of Nintendo's next console, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your point of view.

Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility suggests a similar design

Nintendo's next console will likely have a similar body and functionality

For a long time, there was speculation as to whether the Nintendo Switch 2 would actually be the Switch 2 or a completely different console. However, now that Nintendo's next console has been confirmed to be backwards compatible, it's pretty much confirmed that it is indeed the Switch 2, although it may end up with a different name. This would be a major departure for Nintendo, as the developer is known for trying to innovate with each console, rather than remaining largely the same as other consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation have been for generations. Regardless, the confirmation of the console's backwards compatibility is good news for those who aren't ready to give up their favorite Nintendo Switch games, but would still like to get their hands on a Switch successor.

Since the successor to the Nintendo Switch is backwards compatible, fans can expect it to have a similar design philosophy and functionality for something that feels familiar yet fresh. For one thing, the hybrid nature of the Nintendo Switch, which has both docked and handheld modes, will likely continue on the next console, allowing players to seamlessly switch between playing on the console's monitor and a separate TV or monitor. Second, we can assume that the Nintendo Switch successor will use the Switch's Joy-Cons for motion control, as there are games like Ring Fit Adventures which require the use of Joy-Cons motion controls, and thus would not be playable on the successor Nintendo Switch without a similar design.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
is another Nintendo Switch game that uses the Joy-Cons' motion controls, so Nintendo's next console should behave similarly to its predecessor.

Nintendo's next console will have to use physical cartridges like its predecessor

Third, since the Nintendo Switch's successor is backwards compatible, it will need to support physical Switch cartridges, so players can expect this feature to remain the same for now. However, Nintendo's next console will likely have more memory for larger games. Moreover, any games purchased from the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch would also need the successor console to replicate its design to some degree, as they may require the use of motion controls from the console's Joy-Cons.

Now that Nintendo's next console has been confirmed to be backwards compatible, it's pretty much confirmed that it is indeed the Switch 2, although it may end up with a different name.

Anyone expecting Nintendo's next console to be different from the Nintendo Switch may be disappointed to learn that it's backwards compatible, as it ends up meaning the design will be essentially the same. Of course, there are likely to be some differences, and it would be remiss of Nintendo not to make sure of them, as it could potentially lead to a failed launch. Ultimately, both the Xbox and PlayStation consoles have enough power to make up for any lack of innovation in their physical designs, but if history has proven anything, it's that Nintendo's next console likely won't. However, the backwards compatibility of Nintendo's next console with the Switch means that players will still be able to enjoy their favorite Nintendo Switch games for years to come.