Support NeoGAF

[Walter Matthau]

Original Article:

Soapbox: 'Switch 2' Doesn't Really Need Backwards Compatibility

Much as we all want it

www.nintendolife.com

Summary (via ChatGPT)

I'd love the next Nintendo console, 'Switch 2', to be backward compatible, allowing us to play older games on the new system. It's a convenient feature that offers peace of mind and eases the transition to a new console.

Lifelong gamers value compatibility for the assurance of accessing their existing library easily. Still, Switch owners are more likely to keep their old consoles handy, making it less of an issue compared to bulkier home consoles.

From Nintendo's perspective, emphasizing backward compatibility may not outweigh the potential drawbacks, such as hacking risks and piracy. Maintaining a clean break from the previous platform is crucial to establish the new system's identity.

Additionally, Nintendo might prefer not to re-release last-gen games. Unlike previous instances, where Wii U ports were essential due to its commercial failure, Switch has thrived, and beloved titles like Breath of the Wild don't need reissues.

For those concerned about retro games, NSO could offer a solution. While specifics may vary, maintaining this service is crucial for continuity.

Nintendo historically has done a reasonably good job in having backwards compatibility so it's hard to imagine them forgoing it this time around unless the new system's architecture or control scheme is drastically different than the current Switch (like the Switch was to the Wii U and 3DS). I believe it will be a priority for them to transition their base over as quickly as possible and backwards compatibility would be a pretty critical selling point in the first year or two of sales.

Betting time: Do you think the Switch 2 can still be a success if it doesn't have backwards compatibility?

 

[spons]

Does Switch 2 Really Need Backwards Compatibility?

Yes.

 

[ReBurn]

Any console that sells games In digital format needs backward compatibility, imo.

 

[LordCBH]

“Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t really need backwards compatibility”

Fuck off Nintendolife.

 

[F0rneus]

Yes it will still be a big success if it does not have BC but...I mean, it's 100% sure that it will be. That article is dumb dumb.

 

[Kilau]

I’ll buy one anyway but day one if it has BC.

 

[Klayzer]

Nintendo preparing its fans for the bad news unfortunately.

 

[M1chl]

Hope that bankrupts Nintendo

 

[Sethbacca]

Nintendo, I'm sure, would love it to not be BC so that they could sell you the same games for yet another generation. I grew up on Ninty, I love their properties, but some of their decisions just baffle me so it wouldn't surprise me if they did something stupid like this.

 

[Filben]

Yes. Why would I invest in an online library (what all our publishers actually want) if I'm not guaranteed to take my library with me?

 

[Thief1987]

Perfectly fine article. I didn't expect anything else from nintendo apologists in the first place.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Moment that becomes official is the moment Valve get given the ball.

 

[Hudo]

If they want to keep their customers locked into their ecosystem, it better have BC. Otherwise you risk to lose your customers to a competing platform since a platform-move to the next Switch would be like a soft reset. This service-based, account-based, ecosystem-based business model requires that you can assure the customer that the shit he buys stays with him, so that he buys more shit and is more and more unlikely to change to another ecosystem.

 

[VN1X]

Clickbait.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Imagine being a Switch digital only gamer and hearing publications making excuses on how the next Switch doesn't really need BC; I'd be fuming.
In any case, if Nintendo is stupid enough to not add BC then at least I can sell all my games and for a pretty penny too since the entirety of my Switch library is physical.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Not buying one without it.

I skipped on Switch and only way I will get 2 is if it's BC.

Else I will just get Switch and play those games there.

 

[stn]

If it has BC, I'm a day one purchase. If not, I'll wait and see if it gets any games that pique my interest. BC needs to be a consistent thing.

 

[Sp3eD]

Nobody’s switch battery is going to last another couple years. It pretty much has too.

 

[nowhat]

Of course it doesn't. Nintendo will very happily sell you the same games again.

(I can understand not having full BC, but still bitter about what happened to my Wii digital library, which should have been easily available on Switch)

 

[deriks]

It needs, so every next console. I should be allowed to play my old shit on new hardware

 

[Roxkis_ii]

Nintendo preparing its fans for the bad news unfortunately.

I was just thinking the same thing. Nintendo would be cold blooded for killing backward compatibility just a resale you Switch games in the Nintendo store.

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

This post sponsored by Nintendo. Thanks, Nintendolife. Looks like the big N is trying to prepare us for the news coming. Got your lubes ready?

 

[Klayzer]

I was just thinking the same thing. Nintendo would be cold blooded for killing backward compatibility just a resale you Switch games in the Nintendo store.

Yeah, it would be cold blooded, but very Nintendo at the same time.

 

[German Hops]

I can't wait for the meltdowns once Nintendo announces no bc.

 

[SmokedMeat]

I’m surprised someone working for Nintendolife, would be a Nintendo boot licker.

 

[diffusionx]

If it is a “Switch 2” - yes or course it does. It is not 1995 anymore. This is expected with new devices. If it is a different device, a new paradigm, that is a different story.

 

[Klayzer]

Online account based systems we have now, must carry over backwards compatibility now.

 

[jshackles]

Yes. Why would I invest in an online library (what all our publishers actually want) if I'm not guaranteed to take my library with me?

This exactly. One of my personal determining factors when buying a digital game is "will I be able to play this in the future?". Nintendo has, so far, proven that they can't be trusted to carry a digital library forward - which is why I predominantly only buy Switch games on physical cartridges (and then rip them to my PC).

If a game is released for Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC (and is digital only) I'm more likely at this point to buy it on anything other than the Switch, especially digitally.

If the Switch 2 is announced to be backwards compatible, not only will I buy one Day One but I'll also pick up a handful of digital titles that I've been holding off on because their future is currently uncertain.

 

[Operations66]

The propaganda begins..

 

[Celcius]

edit: how do I change my vote?

 

[64bitmodels]

I mean.... Everyone buying a Switch 2 (or at least 90% of the people who do) already own a Switch 1. If no BC, just keep playing and finishing the games on your current one.

 

[Klayzer]

If it is a “Switch 2” - yes or course it does. It is not 1995 anymore. This is expected with new devices. If it is a different device, a new paradigm, that is a different story.

I think so as well. Unless its has very unique parts inside.

 

[Gudji]

 

[Geometric-Crusher]

x86-64

 

[lughnasadh123]

"Due to Nintendo's desire to resell you the game you've already bough, BC doesn't make sense"

 

[Dacvak]

Stupid clickbait article designed to do exactly what it’s doing right now, getting people annoyed and talking about it. Nah.

 

[Thirty7ven]

Oh it absolutely does.

 

[Deerock71]

The title prompted a no vote out of me by mistake. Could some consistency between title and poll be implemented in the future? It better be backwards compatible.

 

[clarky]

Nintendo historically has done a reasonably good job in having backwards compatibility so it's hard to imagine them forgoing it this time.

Maybe im missing something here? When has a Nintendo system actually had BC?

 

[rodrigolfp]

Switch didn't need, so...

 

[JimmyF]

Nope, now where do I spread my ass cheeks?

 

[mckmas8808]

Who voted no? And why?

 

[jshackles]

Maybe im missing something here? When has a Nintendo system actually had BC?

The WiiU could play Wii games
The Wii could play Gamecube games
The 3DS could play DS games
The DS could play Gameboy Advance games
The Gameboy Advance could play Gameboy Color and Gameboy games
The Gameboy Color could play Gameboy games

And that's not counting stuff like the SNES being able to play Gameboy games (with an adapter) or the Gamecube being able to play Gameboy Advance games (with an adapter). Or the mid-gen refreshes like the New 3DS or DSi also working with their existing library.

 

[SmokedMeat]

Maybe im missing something here? When has a Nintendo system actually had BC?

On their handhelds.

Wii had Gamecube BC
Wii U had Wii BC

 

[64bitmodels]

Who voted no? And why?

i voted no because it will still sell 100 million units with or without BC.

 

[The Skull]

Maybe im missing something here? When has a Nintendo system actually had BC?

Wii > GC
Wii U > Wii

 

[rodrigolfp]

The WiiU could play Wii games

Wii U technically can play GC games too.

 

[Mephisto40]

On their handhelds.

Wii had Gamecube BC
Wii U had Wii BC

Gameboy advance could play gameboy games
SNES had an adapter to play NES games
Gameboy games worked on gameboy colour

So pretty much all of their consoles and handhelds

 

[Walter Matthau]

Maybe im missing something here? When has a Nintendo system actually had BC?

Off the top of my head:

• Gameboy Color
• Gameboy Advance
• DS
• 3DS
• Wii
• Wii U

I believe Switch is the first console they've had since the Gamecube that wasn't backwards compatible.

 

[SmokedMeat]

Gameboy advance could play gameboy games
SNES had an adapter to play NES games
Gameboy games worked on gameboy colour

So pretty much all of their consoles and handhelds

Half of their consoles lacked BC.