Nintendo Unveils New Switch Successor, Promises Backward Compatibility and Enhanced Performance

In a surprise morning reveal, Nintendo has officially announced its long-rumored successor to the Nintendo Switch, tentatively referred to as the “Switch 2.” The company confirmed that the upcoming hybrid console will feature full backward compatibility with existing Switch game cartridges and digital libraries, alongside meaningful performance upgrades designed to meet growing player demands.

President Shuntaro Furukawa outlined the new console in an investor briefing early Thursday, saying the device will “build upon the strengths of the original Switch while delivering a significant leap in performance and versatility.” While no exact technical specifications were disclosed, developers close to the project have indicated a custom Nvidia chipset is at the heart of the new system, enabling improved graphics, faster load times, and enhanced battery efficiency.

Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing confirmation was the announcement of backward compatibility—a crucial feature that ensures the massive library of Switch titles, including bestsellers like *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* and *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*, will carry forward seamlessly. Digital purchases linked to users’ Nintendo accounts will reportedly auto-transfer to the new system, a notable first for the company, which has historically drawn criticism for its disjointed digital ecosystems across platforms.

Describing it as “the evolution of hybrid gameplay,” Furukawa hinted at expanded OLED screen options and improved Joy-Con ergonomics but stopped short of unveiling a physical model. According to internal projections, the system is targeting a late 2024 launch, with select third-party developers already working on launch window titles.

Fans and analysts alike see the move as Nintendo positioning itself to maintain momentum amid increasing competition from Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S. With over 125 million units of the original Switch sold since its 2017 launch, the next iteration has big boots to fill—but if today’s announcement is any indication, Nintendo is acutely aware of both its legacy and its future.

Expect more details, including launch titles and pricing, to emerge at the upcoming Nintendo Direct showcase, rumored to be scheduled for late summer.