Did any console finish its lifecycle as strongly as the Nintendo Switch might? The latest Nintendo Direct showcased many awaited games, introduced new Zelda and Mario & Luigi titles, and set a release date for Metroid Prime 4.
Game developers aim to release several titles in 2025. The year will begin with Metroid Prime 4, HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Switch.
Nintendo has not shared information about the next Switch console.
However, during an investor call, they confirmed it will not bring revenue before the 2025/26 fiscal year, meaning it will launch after April.
The news excites fans. The Nintendo Switch is one of the best consoles, alongside the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.
Seeing such an impressive system fade with weak releases as Nintendo shifts focus to its next console would disappoint many. Thankfully, Nintendo avoids that outcome.
Fans enjoy a strong lineup of games this year and can look forward to even more next year.
By the time the Switch 2 launches, players will have experienced many outstanding titles. The number of significant releases feels overwhelming.
Nintendo plans for most players to upgrade from the current console to the next one. But what happens if players, by May 2025, still haven’t completed the games released in the past year?
Should they skip the new console their friends and coworkers are enjoying? Or should they leave unfinished games behind to start playing the new lineup on the latest system?
The answer points to backward compatibility. If Nintendo releases Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A in 2025, just months before launching the new console, those games must work on the upcoming device. Thankfully, we see more than just speculation.
Nintendo actively builds its reputation as a ‘good guy’ among large gaming companies. Whether true or not, the company works hard to uphold this image.
It includes old games with the Nintendo Online Subscription. It creates sequels that fans want. It designs consoles and games that suit all ages. That approach defines its style.
I don’t think Nintendo will risk losing goodwill in 2025 by making the Switch 2 incompatible with older games. Many expect the next console to build on the Switch rather than being entirely different.
Even if Nintendo introduces a new design, it will likely ensure older games work on the new system.
Nintendo might add a small change, like a cartridge notch similar to the one used with 3DS games, to stop them from fitting into the original Switch.
While that move isn’t ideal, it’s better than obliterating compatibility.
Nintendo combines its strong reputation with a powerful Spring 2025 lineup, so I would feel shocked if the new console couldn’t play Switch games.
Games like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A seems set to bridge two console generations, much like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
I expect Nintendo to release these games for Switch while making them perform better and look better on their successor.
I hope Nintendo doesn’t make us repurchase them to enjoy their enhanced versions.