Nintendo had its big reveal of Switch 2 Thursday, releasing a video showing off the new hardware. Nintendo hasn’t offered many technical specifications, but has confirmed that the Switch 2 will have backwards compatibility for playing Switch games.
At the end of the announcement video, a slide appears confirming that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, it was noted that some games “will not be supported or fully compatible” with the Switch 2.
Nintendo provided no further details about the incompatible games and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
One game that probably won’t be backwards compatible is Ring-shaped adventurea fitness game released in 2019 by Nintendo. While the game itself will likely work as it can be slotted into the Switch 2, what might be a problem is the Ring-Con since it is an accessory that requires the Switch Joy- Cons be fixed via the rails. The Switch 2, however, has new Joy-Cons that appear to attach magnetically. Of course, what could solve this problem is for the Switch 2 to also be backwards compatible with the original Joy-Cons.
Watch this: Nintendo Switch 2 announced: everything we know
Besides backwards compatibility, the Switch 2 video reveal showed other major changes coming with the new hardware. This includes a larger screen, two USB-C ports instead of one, a newly designed larger kickstand that can tilt more, and Joy-Cons that appear to work like a computer mouse. Nintendo plans to hold a Switch 2 Direct broadcast on April 2 to provide more details. It will also hold in-person events in Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York, giving fans the opportunity to use the Switch 2. No release date or price for the Switch 2 has been announced.
