Switch 2’s Backwards Compatibility List Provides Updates On Two Titles – Nintendo Life

The State of Backwards Compatibility on Nintendo Switch 2: A Mixed Bag

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and with it, a new era of gaming on the go. But as we dive into the world of Switch 2, a pressing question remains: how well will our beloved Switch games work on the new hardware? In a recent update, Nintendo has shed some light on the state of backwards compatibility, and the results are… mixed.

The Good News

Fortnite, a popular title, has been confirmed to have a “Nintendo Switch 2 version planned”, which is a welcome development. Additionally, Nintendo has announced that issues with Fitness Boxing on Switch 2 are “planned to be resolved via an update”. These are promising signs that Nintendo is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Switch games on the new console.

The Not-So-Good News

However, not all games are created equal. The list of Switch games with issues on Switch 2 is substantial, and it’s clear that not every game will work perfectly out of the box. Games like Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, Alien Isolation, and GRID are just a few examples of titles that have been affected. This is a concern, especially for gamers who have invested heavily in the Switch ecosystem.

The Emulation Layer

One of the main reasons for the mixed bag of backwards compatibility is the use of an emulation layer. This layer allows Switch 2 to run Switch 1 games, but it’s not foolproof. As one commenter pointed out, “emulation layer is hit or miss… it’s main reason putting me off to getting a Switch 2”. This is a valid concern, as emulation can lead to bugs, glitches, and even game-breaking issues.

The Future of Backwards Compatibility

So, what’s the future of backwards compatibility on Switch 2? It’s clear that Nintendo is committed to updating games to work on the new console, but it’s unclear how extensive this effort will be. Some developers, like M2 and Hamster, have a track record of patching games for bugs, so there’s hope that they will follow suit. However, other developers may not be as proactive, leaving some games in a state of limbo.

Actionable Insights

So, what can you do if you’re concerned about the state of backwards compatibility on Switch 2? Here are a few actionable insights:

  • Keep an eye on Nintendo’s official list of games with issues on Switch 2. This will give you an idea of which games are affected and which ones are being updated.
  • Check with game developers to see if they have any plans to update their games for Switch 2 compatibility.
  • Consider keeping your original Switch console as a backup, just in case some games don’t work on Switch 2.

Conclusion

The state of backwards compatibility on Switch 2 is a complex issue, with both positives and negatives. While it’s encouraging to see Nintendo committed to updating games, the use of an emulation layer raises concerns about the quality of the experience. As gamers, we can only hope that developers will follow Nintendo’s lead and prioritize backwards compatibility. Until then, it’s a mixed bag, and we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold.

Summary

  • Fortnite has a “Nintendo Switch 2 version planned”.
  • Issues with Fitness Boxing on Switch 2 are “planned to be resolved via an update”.
  • The list of Switch games with issues on Switch 2 is substantial.
  • The use of an emulation layer raises concerns about the quality of the experience.
  • Nintendo is committed to updating games to work on Switch 2, but it’s unclear how extensive this effort will be.
  • Keep an eye on Nintendo’s official list of games with issues on Switch 2 and check with game developers for updates.