Summary

• Nintendo announced the Switch 2 will not use purely hardware solutions for backwards compatibility.
• Older consoles like the 3DS and Wii U depended on hardware to access DS and Wii game data.
• A real-time solution will convert Switch game data for the Switch 2.

According to the Switch 2 lead development team, the forthcoming console will not be limited to hardware-level compatibility for original Switch games. However, the Switch 2 will utilize a new approach blending hardware compatibility with software emulation, allowing it to run most original Switch titles seamlessly.

The Switch 2 was fully unveiled during the Nintendo Direct episode on April 2, showcasing its primary functions and controls. Its handheld display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and supports up to 4K resolution in Docked Mode. The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers can be operated on their sides like a mouse for compatible games. Overall, the Switch 2 offers a graphical performance ten times more powerful than its predecessor while retaining a majority of the original Switch’s game library, along with unique titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.