It will be funny coming back here to see all the posters posting, "Nintendo will NEVAAAR have backwards compat!" if Nintendo does include backwards compatibility.
Furukawa is making a huge point of emphasis on making the transition to next-gen as smooth as possible, and there are few better ways to do so than backwards compatibility.
How exactly it would be included, I don't know yet. But assuming the new console is a Switch 2 this is the ideal scenario I can see playing out:
And to the second question, this would help extend the Switch 1's lifespan as well.
Furukawa is making a huge point of emphasis on making the transition to next-gen as smooth as possible, and there are few better ways to do so than backwards compatibility.
How exactly it would be included, I don't know yet. But assuming the new console is a Switch 2 this is the ideal scenario I can see playing out:
- Standard BC for almost all Switch 1 cartridges and digital software. Runs at same resolution and performance as on Switch 1 hardware. They should be able to easily find a workaround to the SOC concerns floated by MVG et al, whether it's emulation or some kind of unique profile.
- "Enhanced" BC options - Converts Switch 1 games to take advantage of Switch 2 specs. Comes in the following flavors that developers can choose from:
- Some kind of "Super Switch" patch that improves performance but keeps the assets the same. The BOTW demo could be a potential option for this.
- DLC - If a studio wants to add assets to improve the graphics. Can come in the form of either a free patch, or as paid DLC.
- Cross-gen releases - with different performance options depending on the console.
- A totally new port. With all the downgrades needed to port from PS4 to Switch 1, developers might find it easier (and profitable) to just give the Switch 2 it's own fresh version instead of tacking onto the gimped Switch 1 versions.
And to the second question, this would help extend the Switch 1's lifespan as well.
Last edited by ScaryHobbit,