Gaming Why Switch has no backwards compatibility (and other possibilities/workarounds)

[Wizardkoer]

Many people are disappointed to see that Nintendo announced that the Switch has no backwards compatibility for physical discs/cartridges. This is probably because there's no touchscreen; Both Wii U gamepad and 3DS has touchscreens, and not to mention 3DS has TWO screens while the Switch clearly has one.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

3DS would be slightly different since 3DS runs ARM just like Switch, so itd be a matter of porting.

 

[Aurora Wright]

Afaik ARMv8 32 bit is backwards compatible with ARMv6, so I can't see where you're getting the "can't be compatible with 3DS software" part.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

Afaik ARMv8 32 bit is backwards compatible with ARMv6, so I can't see where you're getting the "can't be compatible with 3DS software" part.

Switch will most likely be ARMv8 64bit but yeah youre right.

 

[Aurora Wright]

Switch will most likely be ARMv8 64bit but yeah youre right.

Of course, but ARMv8 processors support both 64 bit and 32 bit code as far as I know.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

Of course, but ARMv8 processors support both 64 bit and 32 bit code as far as I know.

Indeed they do after a bit of further delving.

 

[netovsk]

Because nintendo realized that sony, which leads the console market, is making a great cash grab by denying their fanboys backwards compatibility and selling them the same old games and remasters again. Nobody seems to care thst the ps4 has no backwards compatability, instead they get hyped for fecken fully priced remasters.

Plus, it makes total sense because they have to achieve a good price point on switch, thus cutting off any hardware features that are non-quintessential to the intended experience. They're not going to shove a touch screen down everyones throats just so that people who probably already have a 3DS can play their games on switch too.

 

[Gamer4647]

Wii U and 3DS backwards compatibility isn't happening because those systems have two screens, while the NX has one (Edit lol, I missed that in the main post)
That's how it should be, but it didn't stop them from porting DS games to Wii U and allowing off TV play, which is only one screen

It will most likely be ports, but at least 3DS backwards compatibility is possible, and it hasn't be revealed if there is a touchscreen just yet

Because nintendo realized that sony, which leads the console market, is making a great cash grab by denying their fanboys backwards compatibility and selling them the same old games and remasters again. Nobody seems to care thst the ps4 has no backwards compatability, instead they get hyped for fecken fully priced remasters.

That was just a crap move by Sony, where instead they want you to get remasters or spend tons of money on annoying subscriptions
Also, no backwards compatibility would keep a purpose for your old console anyway - also, they did say it won't be replacing the 3DS or Wii U, which might be why it has no backwards compatibility

 

[SLiV3R]

It will be a new fresh start then!

 

[cvskid]

This video explains it.
How hard is it to just keep the older systems?

 

[SnAQ]

I don't care about backwards compatibility, I actually think it's a good idea to not have it and shift focus to the current games instead.

Sent from my Sony Xperia Z5

 

[Captain_N]

backwards compatibility just adds to the cost. Id rather have more power then backwards compatibility. Its trully not needed

 

[catlover007]

Backward compability to the 3DS isn't that easy. The whole firmware has to be rewritten + the weired 3DS GPU with it's half programable pipeline has to be emulated.

 

[Harsky]

Will be interesting to see what the Switch's eshop will look like for the Wii/Wii U games.

 

[Kikirini]

I don't need backwards compatibility. Honestly, I don't plan on unplugging my Wii U or putting my 3ds in storage any time soon, so I'll just play on those as well as the new Switch.
That being said, I'd be happy if they eventually threw Wii/Wii U and 3ds VC on the system.

 

[RevPokemon]

Many people are disappointed to see that Nintendo announced that the Switch has no backwards compatibility for physical discs/cartridges. This is probably because there's no touchscreen; Both Wii U gamepad and 3DS has touchscreens, and not to mention 3DS has TWO screens while the Switch clearly has one.

why not just allow the Switch to use the WiiU gamepad?

 

[baselhamad]

guys we still don't know, nintendo didn't said that there's no backward compatibility, i think there's backward compatibility, if it not, then you beat me

 

[Sliter]

much like we could eb able to get virtual wiiu (and maybe 3Ds) stuff that are linke dto the eshop account , but maybe no phisical compatibility due to be more economic to made ? (just a idea :v )

 

[Monado_III]

I'm only bummed it has no backwards compatibility because that means I have to pay full price for the switch instead of being able to sell my Wii U beforehand so I could save a couple hundred bucks on it.

 

[Gamer4647]

Backward compability to the 3DS isn't that easy. The whole firmware has to be rewritten + the weired 3DS GPU with it's half programable pipeline has to be emulated.

In the case of DS mode on 3DS, a chunk of the firmware is left out.
In the case of Wii mode on Wii U, that pretty much had 'all' of the firmware (minus the minor changes).

Depends on the hardware and how Nintendo decides to execute it, but at least 3DS emulation could be done. After all, there is the Citra emulator (I think that's what it's called anyway).