Highlights
Nintendo Switch's rumored successor may be backward compatible, potentially allowing players to carry over their eShop library and accounts.
Nintendo's implementation of reused accounts has the potential to enhance the console transition and mirror the backward compatibility feature seen in the PlayStation Store. The absence of official updates notwithstanding, the incorporation of ideas from fellow industry players by Nintendo is a thrilling indication of what lies ahead for the future of the Switch successor.
The rumored successor of the Nintendo Switch is said to have backward compatibility with the current Switch. Countless rumors and leaks have been circulating about the Switch successor.
The Nintendo Switch's appeal lies in its ability to function as both a console and a handheld device. It played a crucial role in Nintendo's recovery from the disappointing sales of the Wii U. Even after being on the market for seven years, the Switch continues to sell remarkably well and is currently the third best-selling piece of gaming hardware, surpassed only by the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's own DS. However, as time passes, more and more rumors have emerged about what Nintendo has planned for its next gaming platform, including its launch lineup, release timeframe, features, and even its graphical capabilities.
Inverse recently conducted an interview with Doug Bowser, the current President of Nintendo of America. The discussion covered various topics, such as the absence of a union at Nintendo and the recently-launched Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Additionally, Bowser briefly mentioned the successor to the Nintendo Switch, though he refrained from commenting on any rumors. However, he did highlight the distinction between previous consoles and the current Switch, emphasizing that the Nintendo Accounts for the Switch are designed for long-term use. While this does not confirm whether the new console will be backward compatible or incorporate some of the Switch's features, it does suggest a potential direction.
Basically, this statement confirms that Shuntaro Furukawa's previous comment still holds true - the Switch's successor will utilize Nintendo Accounts to make the transition between consoles smoother. This also suggests that there may be backward compatibility, as carrying over the account would likely include access to the eShop library. The PlayStation Store follows a similar model, allowing players to access games and DLC across multiple console generations. If this is indeed the case, it will be exciting to see Nintendo adopting ideas from other industry players. However, Nintendo has no plans to announce the Switch successor this year, so players will have to patiently wait for official updates.
Source: Inverse
