That sounds like a marketing nightmare to me. I'm not sure how they could communicate unequivocally to the lowest common denominator buyer that some games marketed as "Switch 2" are playable for Switch 1, some have a minor mode, and some aren't compatible at all. I think Nintendo is too risk-averse to do this.
@@jasonpeterson3860 well in that case, maybe they will just accidentally buy a Switch 2 game for their kids owning Switch, and it will just happen to work
@@TMS-Oddbot But that would only be true in a few select cases. In most cases, Switch 2 games would not be compatible with the first generation of Switch. Why make things confusing for the consumer? If they want to sell a cross-gen game, just sell a different SKU for each platform. This is exactly what they’ve done in the past, especially with cross-gen Zelda titles.
I've thought about this. One cartridge would be so simple and owning a game with "switch 2" on it might make people just buy a switch 2 as well. But I prefer the idea of a switch 1 cartridge with switch 2 capability because people might assume more switch 2 games will work when they won't.
Yeah, I'm much more in the camp of an approach of what Sony did with PS4 and PS5; you cannot use PS5 discs on PS4, but if you insert a PS4 disc into a PS5, you can either just play it as is or upgrade to a PS5 enhanced version for free or at a charge.
I have another idea: Nintendo keeps making Switch 1 games without Switch 2 versions, but these games are between AA to A budget games, like ports or remasters. And all these games will be enhanced on Switch 2 with a free/paid patch. This way, Nintendo can keep supporting both Switch 1 and Switch 2 audiences. Also, since the economy is not great for everyone, Nintendo could also do this: Nintendo Switch Selects. Re-release games as Nintendo Switch Selects, for 29,99$ each, with some exceptions like Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom and Super Smash Bros Ultimate (34,99$ each). This can be rewarding for both Switch 1 and Switch 2 audiences, and this can also help Nintendo continue to boost the total software sales of the Nintendo Switch for a long time. Can also be a good entry point for newcomers of Nintendo games, people that might be afraid to give 400$ or more for their first Nintendo console ever, but might choose a Nintendo Switch Lite for 150$ or less, with games that cost around 29,99$ (or maybe even less during sales). Who knows, maybe a couple years go by and they might eventually upgrade to a Nintendo Switch 2, knowing that their Switch 1 catalog will be playable on the next system.
Sounds like what Game Boy Color did - a good chunk of them had regular Game Boy compatibility. For exclusives they could bring back the “only for Switch 2” on the boxes for a while.
This is an interesting idea, however I think it cuts against the uniquely foregrounded message that Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Switch 1 software. Even before the reveal, the one message Furukawa adamantly lead discussion with in October 2024 was that the system could play Switch 1 games. When you pair that with the fact that, in an otherwise wordless reveal trailer for Switch 2, backwards compatibility got a text-heavy screen dedicated to it, explicitly naming Mario Wonder when the new Mario Kart itself wasn't even named, I think the inverse of your premise is far likelier: I think the first 18 months or two years of Switch 2 will rely on new Switch 1 SKU software. Nintendo is in the unique position, like with GBA, DS, 3DS, wherein they have true out-of-the-box backwards compatibility - no extra peripherals required like Wii or Wii U's back compat needed. Given that Nintendo will not have Wii U titles to fall back on in the early years on Switch 2 as it did with Switch 1, I think it's likely that of the perhaps 12 games Nintendo publishes in 2026, 4 of those only have a Switch 1 SKU but are marketed heavily as filling a gap in the Switch 2 calendar as well. To me, the promise of back compat is not just a good message to families that their games carry over, but that Nintendo's forthcoming Switch 1 games can and should be enjoyed on Switch 2, and that enjoying those previous-gen titles will be a core part of the Switch 2 experience.
Really nice idea, I agree in theory, but in practice the idea of advertising "also playable on switch 1" kills it, this would end up being a nightmare of false or confusing advertising, and whichever side they landed on, it would cause the idea to fall flat.
I feel like an idea like this is a logistics and advertising nightmare. Like, with how Switch 2 is being CALLED Switch 2, I think Nintendo would do everything in their power to avoid this kind of confusion. Also, I still maintain they could not raise prices across the board to 70 for some of their smaller titles. If people raised such a stink about Donkey Kong recently (which likely didn’t impact sales, regardless), pressing the envelope to 70 just might. Or a game like Princess Peach Showtime is really small in comparison to something like Tears of the Kingdom and I don’t think they can justify the smaller titles sitting at the same table as the big boys like Mario Kart and 3D Mario.
Nintendo likes to market prices based on quality, rather than a standardised sense of value and thus may see the benefit of a $70 strategy going forward, but I still agree with your points.
@ Fair point. Like, if you ask me, I think they’d go 70 for the real big ticket items, like Tears of the Kingdom was. So things like Mario Kart, a new 3D Mario, Smash, Zelda, Pokemon. And the smaller stuff would be around the 60 dollar range. Or that’s what I’d hope, anyways.
i think sakurai has previously talked about rereleasing games with additional content. iirc, he’s against doing this kind of thing with his games, so i’m not sure smash ultimate would get this treatment but i could see a complete version with all the dlc included being released
Nintendo already did exactly this strategy with the Gameboy Color. Look up "Gameboy color dual compatibility". This is generally what I've expected from Nintendo for pretty much any title that people have thought would be "cross-gen". One SKU, "dual mode".
The problem with the idea of a Smash Ultimate complete edition is that including the third-party DLC characters would require renegotiations with the companies that own them. Plus Sakurai already mentioned that he'd rather do a new Smash game rather than just port over an old one & call it a day (see Brawl instead of Melee Online for the Wii).
I was worried when I saw the title that you were going to propose cloud versions of Switch 2 games for Switch 1, which would be the most nightmarish way of doing this. I still think this plan would be unnecessarily complicated. Anyway, I do think there will still be games sold as "Switch 1" games for the next year and a half but it will be the smaller titles that don't need a massive horsepower increase and remakes, with all of them promising much higher resolutions and or assets and or framerates in Switch 2 mode. Metroid Prime 4 is supposedly running in 900p on Switch 1. Given the specs of Switch 2 under discussion, it's going to be 7-8x stronger than the original Switch and utilize DLSS. 4K (2160p) is roughly 6x the pixel count of 900p. Switch 2 could realistically run Prime 4 in 4K docked, assuming the game is basically the same otherwise and a bunch of more taxing new elements aren't also inserted into the Switch 2 version, along with just about any Switch 1 game that already runs at 900p or 1080p docked on the original Switch. (Things that overly tax Switch 1 like Xenoblade 2 might be too much for Switch 2 to shoot for 4K on). That's a pretty compelling selling point for a Switch 2 version right there.
10:41 I don't agree with this assertion at all. There are plenty of ways to further expand on a Mario level editor. More enemies and items to add, more mechanics, more level themes, new interactions, not to mention the plethora of ways you could further refine the existing elements in the game.
i honestly love this idea a lot, it approaches the idea ive heard thrown around about offering switch 2 games on switch 1, though in a way that creates that sunk cost incentive and is overall good for nintendo. ive heard wild ideas floated like offering cloud versions of switch 2 titles on og switch and like, come on. the switch 2 needs its exclusives. however, with the method you proposed, allowing switch owners to build up their switch 2 library early while also allowing all switch 2 owners to play the full suite of switch 1 titles, seems like the best of both worlds. excellent work!
I would have thought it would be the other way around. I mean, if the first year they ship 20 million Switches then there will still be 130 million (and rising) Switch 1 users. So their AAA titles need to be Switch 2 only but their 'smaller' titles that rely on gameplay would be Switch, but look better on Switch 2 with upscaling. And the Switch 1 carts would say 'looks better on Switch 2. Although, this doesn't really need saying. (I'm always wrong though lol) Just seems to me this would keep rising development costs in check.
I guess the point is that flipping it doesn't substantially change the experience but does focus people on the fact that they can (and perhaps should) upgrade.
I think this idea is too confusing for the general audience. It would make more sense to release them as "switch 1" titles but make it clear that putting it in the NX2 will have improved functionality. Or include a download for the NX2 version.
I find the idea of nintendo allowing some switch 2 games to be played on switch 1 very interesting, i don't remember this concept being done by any company ever in gaming. I don't expect it to happen but would surely be a new and interesting way to get consumers to buy switch 2 games before even owning the console yet. Risks a lot of marketing issues and miscommunication though.
Nintendo did it with black cartridges games that were GBC games both playable on original Game Boy and on Game Boy Color, on GB they were monochrome, and on GBC they were full color. :O (There’s also a couple of games that did the opposite, like Pokémon Yellow that was a GB game with improvements for GBC (they had more color than normal GB game on there cause they coded extra stuff in for it.) TBF, the GBC was basically the same hardware than GB, just with a color display (and some supporting hardware just for that), so it wasn’t *that* hard to make a GBC game work on GB, as long as it was designed for it (like, no reliance on color for the gameplay)
If some of the rumors are true and Switch 2 cartridges are going to use 3d NAND storage instead of 2d NAND, I question if the Switch 1 would be able to read it. And if these cross-compatible games use 2d NAND for compatability, that means the read speed off the cartridge would present a significant loading choke point, presuming that the faster load time rumors are true (and let's hope they are). I don't know the answers here, but i feel like this idea, while fun, would present technical hurdles that would be difficult to overcome.
I assume that cross gen titles would require a download for the Switch 2 version (at least in part) and that the Switch 1 version would be contained on the cartridge, as these would be much cheaper to make and the Switch 2 early adopters will likely find large downloads for physical games more palatable than the younger OG Switch audience. They will probably reserve said enhanced cartridge technology for exclusives, where they can make them physically distinct on the outside for marketing as well as internally. That said, they may introduce these games with a Switch 2 print also as they would want to be able to eliminate the original version more easily later down the line.
The Switch 1 demo is a fascinating idea for Mario Kart but there’s one gigantic problem with all of this. In a recent episode answering a question from the lovely Paul Gale, Kit & Krysta don’t see Nintendo doing ANYTHING like this due to how confusing and indecipherable this would be for most consumers period. Even now people still get confused by the Game Boy/Game Boy Color compatibility limits Plus, the idea of egging on confused Switch 1-only households into buying a Switch 2 because they bought a full priced demo will have them feeling tricked, hoodwinked and the opposite of surprised+delighted
12:27 I think the better example would be the N64 Expansion Pak. Some games allowed you to play certain parts that didn't require the extra memory without the Expansion Pak. Perfect Dark is a great example. You can play a limited version of the multiplayer mode without the Expansion Pak.
I actually thought about this some time ago, and thought it might be a savvy move by Nintendo to offer as many Switch 2 titles as possible via streaming to Switch 1. Some games just simply might not work because of the mouse mode control feature or other factors, but probably works for most of them. This means early Switch 2 titles sell at a vastly higher volume, because they now appeal to 150 million Switch 1s and gives Nintendo time to transition players over to Switch 2 and not be so bothered with production volume for the first year or two. This streaming plan would be available for about 24 months, time enough for hardcore fans and early adopters to move over to the better hardware with less competition in acquiring a unit, and by the time more casual consumers are ready to move over, Nintendo has pushed enough units into market that they can begin to do without the Switch 1 units to help sell Switch 2 software. And all the people buying Switch 2 software to play on Switch 1 are sort of committing themselves to paying up for the new hardware within two years, though with the benefit of not having to do so right away. This setup should work to everyone's favor: Nintendo makes more money selling games (and third-parties could potentially latch on to this streaming service and sell more of their games as well.) Nintendo doesn't have to worry quite as much about scalpers or early volume issues early in Switch 2 life. Nintendo effectively locks a large number of gamers into upgrading hardware once demand drops to levels production volume can meet. Gamers get the newest games without needing to upgrade yet, but will have to eventually, if willing to put up with the issues specific to streamed games in the interim. There is of course a cost to Nintendo (and passed on to third-parties) to provide this service, but that would hopefully be offset by selling more games and at a higher price. (And if it wasn't a profitable venture, third parties wouldn't be doing it for some games on Switch 1 already.)
I think the intelligent suggestion of Nintendo releasing a cheaper Switch model to replace the current lineup in conjunction with the Switch 2 literally called "Switch 1" would actually be a very smart way to convey instantly to consumers that this is a new, cheaper version of the original model, in the same way that the "PS1" was a hardware revision released after the successful launch of the PS2.
If they were willing to put "2 versions of the game on 1 cartridge," I think making them Switch 1 games would be the better logical choice. Switch 1 games with unique Switch 2 enhancements could sell for $70 and have a tag on the box indicating that there is enhanced/bonus content when played on Switch 2. Any games that can run fine on the original Switch, and don't utilize tech that only Switch 2 can handle could remain Switch 1 games. I'd imagine regardless of what they do, they'll be using Switch 2's to showcase Switch 1 games in advertisements.
As a physical lover, I would really hope something like this wouldn't work like Xbox Series/Xbox one games where the game on disc is the One version but you download the Series version, which hurts preservation in the long run.
Mario maker 2 was THE hype title for me on the switch. I honestly can't believe people didn't like it that much, especially since we have so many cool MM2 exclusive items and so much possibilities.
This sounds like Xbox's smart delivery, where the system knows which version of the game should be played. But it should be noted the game box MUST say "Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch 2"
If they do full price rereleases for switch 1 games I will not buy any unless they have substantial new content, Botw again with dlc and 60fps for a full 70$ when I already own the original and DLC is an objective scam
This is an interesting idea to be sure. Honestly, I am still hoping Switch 1 can technically last in support for a decade, as Nintendo promised, by getting new games made even. The online should OBVIOUSLY last that long
Ring Fit Adventure for Switch 2 will definitely need to be exclusive to the Switch 2 - unless you fancy Nintendo packing in both a Switch 1 compatible ring and a Switch 2 compatible ring...
Here’s something that’s been on my mind for a bit: After the Switch 2, will Nintendo go back to separate Home & Handheld consoles? I think it could be an interesting video for sure.
I've been arguing for years that with Nintendo effectively switching to a mobile architecture, they should switch to a platform model, rather than a console model. There is no such thing as an iOS 17 or iOS 18 game. There's not a Windows 10 or Windows 11 game. There are just iOS, Windows, or Android games. At some point, your device becomes so old that you're missing vital features, but for most games, the newer device just runs the games better. This is not overly confusing for consumers, because this is exactly how their existing phones and PCs/laptops work. It's also how Steam Deck works, and the direction Microsoft is going for Xbox.
Switch1 cartridges with switch2 upgrades available will be less confusing for customers than the other way around. But it'll most likely go the way of 3ds when switch came out, a few first party titles that are already completed and digital releases.
New 3DS Enhanced games didn’t seem to get much in the way of additional info on the box or different branding, so I think we will probably see the same happen again with Switch 2 enhanced games. Example: Smash 3DS had nothing on the box to say it worked better on the New 3DS. Majora’s Mask had a little tag on the back highlighting Circle Pad Pro support rather than the little nubbin thing, and nothing about the New 3DS, despite being bundled with them at launch. Xenoblade and Fire Emblem Warriors had big ‘only on New 3DS’ banners on the front and a warning box on the back. Closest comparison with what we have at the moment is the boxes on the back covers that display what play modes are supported on Switch titles (eg handheld/tabletop/tv since some games don’t support handheld). I could see them putting a similar set of boxes on the back for all new prints that has Switch / Switch 2 compatibility shown. I think Switch 2 exclusives will have different branding, including a different brand colour instead of the current red. A different sized box almost makes more sense when I think about it like that
If the NSO expansion pack enabled x hours of cloud play for Switch 2 games on OG Switch that would be pretty cool. But the games that aren't demanding could play natively.
10:41 - this may be straying off the topic of the video - but no. They haven't taken the concept as far as it can go. I don't think it's even close. * Most games of this style end up with some sort of logic & wiring or programming system. Think Minecraft's redstone, or Factorio or Terraria - they all have some sort of logic system now. Sure, players have created complex contraptions that more or less do that same thing, but it's not formalized into the game. * With the exception of lives in endless mode - no information is passed from the end of one level to the beginning of another. Not even something as basic as the coin count. Right now levels are always standalone; they are never able to be tied together. More ways to tie levels together would be a major and radical improvement. * The world maker is - basic. It was one of the last features added, and had plenty of room to be fleshed out. Especially if you could tie levels together as I mentioned above. * There are so many more game styles that can be made - and lest we forget, Nintendo did use the plural for "Extra Game Styles." I honestly think they actually planned to have more, but for some reason canned them. * When Nintendo introduced the Link costume, people went wild with ideas of who could be next - but nope, that was it. Just Link. * Super Mario Bros Wonder introduced a lot of crazy wonder effects. Imagine if they added wonder effects to the next Mario Maker game. It would be amazing! Right now, you can go upside down with a certain course style and theme - and that's about it. * With mouse functionality being a thing, this is an opportunity to really overhaul the UI to give creators more flexibility and more tools to work with. I think Nintendo has just scratched the surface with what can be done - and sometimes I wonder if the lack of new game styles and costumes really boils down to "we've got so much new stuff, let's just make a new game." You know - like they did with Tears of the Kingdom. So I'm thinking we're going to see a Mario Maker 3, not just a slightly altered Mario Maker 2.
This sounds smart until I realised that Switch 2 cartridges will probably have a little nudge in them like the 3DS, to distinguish them from the Switch 1. Still, cross gen games like Prime 4 should definitely be marketed for the Switch 2 to capitalise on the hype and interest behind a new system.
The idea of giving Switch 2 games “Blue Sphere” style modes on Switch 1 is novel, but impractical. And I really dislike the idea of them recycling Switch 1 games with mild improvements in lieu of new entries. We really don’t need a New Play Control equivalent that doesn’t even apply across the board
I'd be happy to play my Switch games on the Switch 2 via backwards compatibility if it's free, but if I have to play extra for "Deluxe" versions of Switch games, then I'll probably pass on the Switch 2 for a few years until it has a good enough library of its own.
From a development point of view it’s just a terrible idea. The consoles are too far appart in terms of specs. It would literally be like developing 2 games : a PS4 game and a switch port The other way around however would be rather easy to make : creating S1 games with a few improvements on S2 like a a better resolution. That’s also a way to limit people’s expectations: if you buy a S1 game you expect it to look like a S1 game and any improvement would be welcomed… even if it’s just a crisper image However if you buy a S2 game advertised as S1 compatible, people could be extremely disappointed if the game performs poorly or look too ugly. That would be absolutel PR hell
I think it's far likelier that we'll instead get games marketed for Switch 1, which by default, is playable on Switch 2… but perhaps the Switch 2 will have enhancements such as better performance and whatnot. Even then, not all games will get this. Sorry, but there's just no way Nintendo ISN'T making their new Mario Kart and 3D Mario exclusive to Switch 2. Killer software like this will remain firmly Switch 2-only.
Honestly though I think Nintendo is going to mostly ditch Switch 1 games when it launches (at least for 1st party). The games they would usually release when a successor is out have been happening for the past few years. If the jump will be clean between systems, I think having two SKUs of a few games isn’t the worst thing in the world. There can be a $10 upgrade cost if you change your mind later. This isn’t gonna be like PS5 where everything came out on both systems for several years - the Switch is far too weak to run backported next gen stuff.
You end switch 1 games, by only having some ports be cross gen, once the switch 2 is out. Maybe if they did a F-zero game, or starfox they could also put these as crossgen since these are very unpopular games
I have a question. Why do you keep pushing the idea of Switch 1 getting more support than Nintendo has historically given their predecessor consoles? Despite their history and comments from multiple CEOs? The new Mario Kart being cross gen? Why? Do you genuinely believe it is possible? I just find it a bit interesting that your focus after the official reveal of NS2 is to make even more content predicting these scenarios. Is it something you think actually has a higher than zero chance? Or are you just playing devil’s advocate? I do enjoy your content and the time and effort you put into research. But when people like Iwata have commented a console will only ever get one Mario Kart (Source: Wii U 2013 Direct), is it very unlikely or impossible? Realistically speaking of course. Or is it because we don’t have much to discuss about NS2? Perhaps you could talk about why Nintendo only decided to show one game in the teaser or why Nvidia hasn’t made a blog post comment on the technology provided to NS2 (like they did with NS1)?
This feels way too complicated to market effectively Just market Switch 1 compatible games as "Nintendo Switch games" (even if they have enhanced Switch 2 controls or graphics-if they updated Pikmin 1 through 4 to support mouse mode they wouldn't suddenly become Switch 2 games would they?), and Switch 2 exclusives as "Nintendo Switch 2 games". It'll hurt game sales if a consumer only has a Switch 1 (or Switch Lite!) and doesn't get new games just because they're branded as Switch 2 games-and games are the very thing that'll get someone to stick to the platform.
Terrible idea. It sounds like a gigantic waste of dev tools and marketing when it's far easier to simply stick to backwards compatibility and have games just naturally run a bit better on Switch 2. If Switch 2 titles run, even if comparatively poorly, on the original Switch, that discourages upgrading since I can still play games. This concept is just a software muddying mess waiting to happen and I don't think it would benefit anyone.
That sounds like a marketing nightmare to me. I'm not sure how they could communicate unequivocally to the lowest common denominator buyer that some games marketed as "Switch 2" are playable for Switch 1, some have a minor mode, and some aren't compatible at all. I think Nintendo is too risk-averse to do this.
“Playable on Switch 1” is literally all you need for it
@@TownDarling Nope, still too confusing for the general public, especially busy parents. After all, there’s really no such thing as “Switch 1.”
@@jasonpeterson3860 well in that case, maybe they will just accidentally buy a Switch 2 game for their kids owning Switch, and it will just happen to work
@@TMS-Oddbot But that would only be true in a few select cases. In most cases, Switch 2 games would not be compatible with the first generation of Switch. Why make things confusing for the consumer? If they want to sell a cross-gen game, just sell a different SKU for each platform. This is exactly what they’ve done in the past, especially with cross-gen Zelda titles.
i agree this sounds awful lol
By pressing the C button your switch 2 becomes a switch 1
XD backwards switch
Convert button
C button is Contra mode
Why does this sound like something Nintendo would actually do lol
C means cast and then you can use your switch 1 tablet to controller switch 2👀
It seems like a good way to confuse casual consumers that Switch 2 doesn’t have exclusive games and thus there is no need to upgrade
I've thought about this. One cartridge would be so simple and owning a game with "switch 2" on it might make people just buy a switch 2 as well.
But I prefer the idea of a switch 1 cartridge with switch 2 capability because people might assume more switch 2 games will work when they won't.
Yeah, I'm much more in the camp of an approach of what Sony did with PS4 and PS5; you cannot use PS5 discs on PS4, but if you insert a PS4 disc into a PS5, you can either just play it as is or upgrade to a PS5 enhanced version for free or at a charge.
I have another idea: Nintendo keeps making Switch 1 games without Switch 2 versions, but these games are between AA to A budget games, like ports or remasters. And all these games will be enhanced on Switch 2 with a free/paid patch. This way, Nintendo can keep supporting both Switch 1 and Switch 2 audiences.
Also, since the economy is not great for everyone, Nintendo could also do this: Nintendo Switch Selects. Re-release games as Nintendo Switch Selects, for 29,99$ each, with some exceptions like Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom and Super Smash Bros Ultimate (34,99$ each). This can be rewarding for both Switch 1 and Switch 2 audiences, and this can also help Nintendo continue to boost the total software sales of the Nintendo Switch for a long time. Can also be a good entry point for newcomers of Nintendo games, people that might be afraid to give 400$ or more for their first Nintendo console ever, but might choose a Nintendo Switch Lite for 150$ or less, with games that cost around 29,99$ (or maybe even less during sales). Who knows, maybe a couple years go by and they might eventually upgrade to a Nintendo Switch 2, knowing that their Switch 1 catalog will be playable on the next system.
Sounds like what Game Boy Color did - a good chunk of them had regular Game Boy compatibility. For exclusives they could bring back the “only for Switch 2” on the boxes for a while.
This is an interesting idea, however I think it cuts against the uniquely foregrounded message that Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Switch 1 software. Even before the reveal, the one message Furukawa adamantly lead discussion with in October 2024 was that the system could play Switch 1 games. When you pair that with the fact that, in an otherwise wordless reveal trailer for Switch 2, backwards compatibility got a text-heavy screen dedicated to it, explicitly naming Mario Wonder when the new Mario Kart itself wasn't even named, I think the inverse of your premise is far likelier: I think the first 18 months or two years of Switch 2 will rely on new Switch 1 SKU software.
Nintendo is in the unique position, like with GBA, DS, 3DS, wherein they have true out-of-the-box backwards compatibility - no extra peripherals required like Wii or Wii U's back compat needed. Given that Nintendo will not have Wii U titles to fall back on in the early years on Switch 2 as it did with Switch 1, I think it's likely that of the perhaps 12 games Nintendo publishes in 2026, 4 of those only have a Switch 1 SKU but are marketed heavily as filling a gap in the Switch 2 calendar as well. To me, the promise of back compat is not just a good message to families that their games carry over, but that Nintendo's forthcoming Switch 1 games can and should be enjoyed on Switch 2, and that enjoying those previous-gen titles will be a core part of the Switch 2 experience.
I honestly think could backfire & make many casual Switch 1 players think "my Switch 1 already plays Switch 2 games, so why would I buy a Switch 2?"
I highly doubt Switch 2 cartridges will work in the OG Switch
That is kinda obvious...
@@Thundercloud369not to the guy that made the video
Really nice idea, I agree in theory, but in practice the idea of advertising "also playable on switch 1" kills it, this would end up being a nightmare of false or confusing advertising, and whichever side they landed on, it would cause the idea to fall flat.
Already been stated by Nintendo regularly that this is a minimum 10 year support. So we can expect games for switch up till the end of 2027 as worst.
Funny seal
I feel like an idea like this is a logistics and advertising nightmare. Like, with how Switch 2 is being CALLED Switch 2, I think Nintendo would do everything in their power to avoid this kind of confusion.
Also, I still maintain they could not raise prices across the board to 70 for some of their smaller titles. If people raised such a stink about Donkey Kong recently (which likely didn’t impact sales, regardless), pressing the envelope to 70 just might. Or a game like Princess Peach Showtime is really small in comparison to something like Tears of the Kingdom and I don’t think they can justify the smaller titles sitting at the same table as the big boys like Mario Kart and 3D Mario.
Nintendo likes to market prices based on quality, rather than a standardised sense of value and thus may see the benefit of a $70 strategy going forward, but I still agree with your points.
@ Fair point. Like, if you ask me, I think they’d go 70 for the real big ticket items, like Tears of the Kingdom was. So things like Mario Kart, a new 3D Mario, Smash, Zelda, Pokemon.
And the smaller stuff would be around the 60 dollar range.
Or that’s what I’d hope, anyways.
I want you to be right, but I can see a scenario where the less desirable outcome becomes true.
@ Yeah, I’m not confident in what I’m saying and I have the fear they’ll go to the industry standard.
i think sakurai has previously talked about rereleasing games with additional content. iirc, he’s against doing this kind of thing with his games, so i’m not sure smash ultimate would get this treatment
but i could see a complete version with all the dlc included being released
Nintendo already did exactly this strategy with the Gameboy Color. Look up "Gameboy color dual compatibility". This is generally what I've expected from Nintendo for pretty much any title that people have thought would be "cross-gen". One SKU, "dual mode".
The problem with the idea of a Smash Ultimate complete edition is that including the third-party DLC characters would require renegotiations with the companies that own them. Plus Sakurai already mentioned that he'd rather do a new Smash game rather than just port over an old one & call it a day (see Brawl instead of Melee Online for the Wii).
I was worried when I saw the title that you were going to propose cloud versions of Switch 2 games for Switch 1, which would be the most nightmarish way of doing this. I still think this plan would be unnecessarily complicated.
Anyway, I do think there will still be games sold as "Switch 1" games for the next year and a half but it will be the smaller titles that don't need a massive horsepower increase and remakes, with all of them promising much higher resolutions and or assets and or framerates in Switch 2 mode.
Metroid Prime 4 is supposedly running in 900p on Switch 1. Given the specs of Switch 2 under discussion, it's going to be 7-8x stronger than the original Switch and utilize DLSS. 4K (2160p) is roughly 6x the pixel count of 900p. Switch 2 could realistically run Prime 4 in 4K docked, assuming the game is basically the same otherwise and a bunch of more taxing new elements aren't also inserted into the Switch 2 version, along with just about any Switch 1 game that already runs at 900p or 1080p docked on the original Switch. (Things that overly tax Switch 1 like Xenoblade 2 might be too much for Switch 2 to shoot for 4K on). That's a pretty compelling selling point for a Switch 2 version right there.
10:41 I don't agree with this assertion at all. There are plenty of ways to further expand on a Mario level editor. More enemies and items to add, more mechanics, more level themes, new interactions, not to mention the plethora of ways you could further refine the existing elements in the game.
I think an entirely new editor focusing on mouse mode alone warrants a 3rd game, Mario Maker is not even close to its limits.
i honestly love this idea a lot, it approaches the idea ive heard thrown around about offering switch 2 games on switch 1, though in a way that creates that sunk cost incentive and is overall good for nintendo. ive heard wild ideas floated like offering cloud versions of switch 2 titles on og switch and like, come on. the switch 2 needs its exclusives. however, with the method you proposed, allowing switch owners to build up their switch 2 library early while also allowing all switch 2 owners to play the full suite of switch 1 titles, seems like the best of both worlds. excellent work!
This is the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard even worse than Nintendo. They should just got the 3DS way. Easier to explain and just makes more sense.
I would have thought it would be the other way around. I mean, if the first year they ship 20 million Switches then there will still be 130 million (and rising) Switch 1 users. So their AAA titles need to be Switch 2 only but their 'smaller' titles that rely on gameplay would be Switch, but look better on Switch 2 with upscaling. And the Switch 1 carts would say 'looks better on Switch 2. Although, this doesn't really need saying. (I'm always wrong though lol) Just seems to me this would keep rising development costs in check.
I guess the point is that flipping it doesn't substantially change the experience but does focus people on the fact that they can (and perhaps should) upgrade.
@ That's what exclusives are for :)
I think this idea is too confusing for the general audience. It would make more sense to release them as "switch 1" titles but make it clear that putting it in the NX2 will have improved functionality. Or include a download for the NX2 version.
I find the idea of nintendo allowing some switch 2 games to be played on switch 1 very interesting, i don't remember this concept being done by any company ever in gaming. I don't expect it to happen but would surely be a new and interesting way to get consumers to buy switch 2 games before even owning the console yet. Risks a lot of marketing issues and miscommunication though.
Nintendo did it with black cartridges games that were GBC games both playable on original Game Boy and on Game Boy Color, on GB they were monochrome, and on GBC they were full color. :O (There’s also a couple of games that did the opposite, like Pokémon Yellow that was a GB game with improvements for GBC (they had more color than normal GB game on there cause they coded extra stuff in for it.)
TBF, the GBC was basically the same hardware than GB, just with a color display (and some supporting hardware just for that), so it wasn’t *that* hard to make a GBC game work on GB, as long as it was designed for it (like, no reliance on color for the gameplay)
If some of the rumors are true and Switch 2 cartridges are going to use 3d NAND storage instead of 2d NAND, I question if the Switch 1 would be able to read it.
And if these cross-compatible games use 2d NAND for compatability, that means the read speed off the cartridge would present a significant loading choke point, presuming that the faster load time rumors are true (and let's hope they are).
I don't know the answers here, but i feel like this idea, while fun, would present technical hurdles that would be difficult to overcome.
I assume that cross gen titles would require a download for the Switch 2 version (at least in part) and that the Switch 1 version would be contained on the cartridge, as these would be much cheaper to make and the Switch 2 early adopters will likely find large downloads for physical games more palatable than the younger OG Switch audience. They will probably reserve said enhanced cartridge technology for exclusives, where they can make them physically distinct on the outside for marketing as well as internally. That said, they may introduce these games with a Switch 2 print also as they would want to be able to eliminate the original version more easily later down the line.
The Switch 1 demo is a fascinating idea for Mario Kart but there’s one gigantic problem with all of this. In a recent episode answering a question from the lovely Paul Gale, Kit & Krysta don’t see Nintendo doing ANYTHING like this due to how confusing and indecipherable this would be for most consumers period. Even now people still get confused by the Game Boy/Game Boy Color compatibility limits
Plus, the idea of egging on confused Switch 1-only households into buying a Switch 2 because they bought a full priced demo will have them feeling tricked, hoodwinked and the opposite of surprised+delighted
12:27 I think the better example would be the N64 Expansion Pak. Some games allowed you to play certain parts that didn't require the extra memory without the Expansion Pak. Perfect Dark is a great example. You can play a limited version of the multiplayer mode without the Expansion Pak.
It is a genius idea.
I actually thought about this some time ago, and thought it might be a savvy move by Nintendo to offer as many Switch 2 titles as possible via streaming to Switch 1. Some games just simply might not work because of the mouse mode control feature or other factors, but probably works for most of them.
This means early Switch 2 titles sell at a vastly higher volume, because they now appeal to 150 million Switch 1s and gives Nintendo time to transition players over to Switch 2 and not be so bothered with production volume for the first year or two. This streaming plan would be available for about 24 months, time enough for hardcore fans and early adopters to move over to the better hardware with less competition in acquiring a unit, and by the time more casual consumers are ready to move over, Nintendo has pushed enough units into market that they can begin to do without the Switch 1 units to help sell Switch 2 software. And all the people buying Switch 2 software to play on Switch 1 are sort of committing themselves to paying up for the new hardware within two years, though with the benefit of not having to do so right away.
This setup should work to everyone's favor: Nintendo makes more money selling games (and third-parties could potentially latch on to this streaming service and sell more of their games as well.) Nintendo doesn't have to worry quite as much about scalpers or early volume issues early in Switch 2 life. Nintendo effectively locks a large number of gamers into upgrading hardware once demand drops to levels production volume can meet. Gamers get the newest games without needing to upgrade yet, but will have to eventually, if willing to put up with the issues specific to streamed games in the interim. There is of course a cost to Nintendo (and passed on to third-parties) to provide this service, but that would hopefully be offset by selling more games and at a higher price. (And if it wasn't a profitable venture, third parties wouldn't be doing it for some games on Switch 1 already.)
I think the intelligent suggestion of Nintendo releasing a cheaper Switch model to replace the current lineup in conjunction with the Switch 2 literally called "Switch 1" would actually be a very smart way to convey instantly to consumers that this is a new, cheaper version of the original model, in the same way that the "PS1" was a hardware revision released after the successful launch of the PS2.
If they were willing to put "2 versions of the game on 1 cartridge," I think making them Switch 1 games would be the better logical choice.
Switch 1 games with unique Switch 2 enhancements could sell for $70 and have a tag on the box indicating that there is enhanced/bonus content when played on Switch 2.
Any games that can run fine on the original Switch, and don't utilize tech that only Switch 2 can handle could remain Switch 1 games.
I'd imagine regardless of what they do, they'll be using Switch 2's to showcase Switch 1 games in advertisements.
As a physical lover, I would really hope something like this wouldn't work like Xbox Series/Xbox one games where the game on disc is the One version but you download the Series version, which hurts preservation in the long run.
fav theory about backwards compatibility i've heard
Mario maker 2 was THE hype title for me on the switch. I honestly can't believe people didn't like it that much, especially since we have so many cool MM2 exclusive items and so much possibilities.
people did like it. it’s just that it didn’t add much new after the first game.
This sounds like Xbox's smart delivery, where the system knows which version of the game should be played. But it should be noted the game box MUST say "Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch 2"
If they do full price rereleases for switch 1 games I will not buy any unless they have substantial new content, Botw again with dlc and 60fps for a full 70$ when I already own the original and DLC is an objective scam
I figure Switch 2 carts will be in a new format with more storage space and higher read speeds and might not be compatible with Switch 1
This is an interesting idea to be sure. Honestly, I am still hoping Switch 1 can technically last in support for a decade, as Nintendo promised, by getting new games made even. The online should OBVIOUSLY last that long
Ring Fit Adventure for Switch 2 will definitely need to be exclusive to the Switch 2 - unless you fancy Nintendo packing in both a Switch 1 compatible ring and a Switch 2 compatible ring...
Here’s something that’s been on my mind for a bit: After the Switch 2, will Nintendo go back to separate Home & Handheld consoles? I think it could be an interesting video for sure.
I've been arguing for years that with Nintendo effectively switching to a mobile architecture, they should switch to a platform model, rather than a console model.
There is no such thing as an iOS 17 or iOS 18 game. There's not a Windows 10 or Windows 11 game. There are just iOS, Windows, or Android games.
At some point, your device becomes so old that you're missing vital features, but for most games, the newer device just runs the games better.
This is not overly confusing for consumers, because this is exactly how their existing phones and PCs/laptops work. It's also how Steam Deck works, and the direction Microsoft is going for Xbox.
Switch1 cartridges with switch2 upgrades available will be less confusing for customers than the other way around. But it'll most likely go the way of 3ds when switch came out, a few first party titles that are already completed and digital releases.
New 3DS Enhanced games didn’t seem to get much in the way of additional info on the box or different branding, so I think we will probably see the same happen again with Switch 2 enhanced games.
Example: Smash 3DS had nothing on the box to say it worked better on the New 3DS. Majora’s Mask had a little tag on the back highlighting Circle Pad Pro support rather than the little nubbin thing, and nothing about the New 3DS, despite being bundled with them at launch. Xenoblade and Fire Emblem Warriors had big ‘only on New 3DS’ banners on the front and a warning box on the back.
Closest comparison with what we have at the moment is the boxes on the back covers that display what play modes are supported on Switch titles (eg handheld/tabletop/tv since some games don’t support handheld). I could see them putting a similar set of boxes on the back for all new prints that has Switch / Switch 2 compatibility shown.
I think Switch 2 exclusives will have different branding, including a different brand colour instead of the current red. A different sized box almost makes more sense when I think about it like that
If I get a vote, I SO want a Ring Fit sequel on the Switch 2.
If the NSO expansion pack enabled x hours of cloud play for Switch 2 games on OG Switch that would be pretty cool. But the games that aren't demanding could play natively.
10:41 - this may be straying off the topic of the video - but no. They haven't taken the concept as far as it can go. I don't think it's even close.
* Most games of this style end up with some sort of logic & wiring or programming system. Think Minecraft's redstone, or Factorio or Terraria - they all have some sort of logic system now. Sure, players have created complex contraptions that more or less do that same thing, but it's not formalized into the game.
* With the exception of lives in endless mode - no information is passed from the end of one level to the beginning of another. Not even something as basic as the coin count. Right now levels are always standalone; they are never able to be tied together. More ways to tie levels together would be a major and radical improvement.
* The world maker is - basic. It was one of the last features added, and had plenty of room to be fleshed out. Especially if you could tie levels together as I mentioned above.
* There are so many more game styles that can be made - and lest we forget, Nintendo did use the plural for "Extra Game Styles." I honestly think they actually planned to have more, but for some reason canned them.
* When Nintendo introduced the Link costume, people went wild with ideas of who could be next - but nope, that was it. Just Link.
* Super Mario Bros Wonder introduced a lot of crazy wonder effects. Imagine if they added wonder effects to the next Mario Maker game. It would be amazing! Right now, you can go upside down with a certain course style and theme - and that's about it.
* With mouse functionality being a thing, this is an opportunity to really overhaul the UI to give creators more flexibility and more tools to work with.
I think Nintendo has just scratched the surface with what can be done - and sometimes I wonder if the lack of new game styles and costumes really boils down to "we've got so much new stuff, let's just make a new game." You know - like they did with Tears of the Kingdom. So I'm thinking we're going to see a Mario Maker 3, not just a slightly altered Mario Maker 2.
This sounds smart until I realised that Switch 2 cartridges will probably have a little nudge in them like the 3DS, to distinguish them from the Switch 1. Still, cross gen games like Prime 4 should definitely be marketed for the Switch 2 to capitalise on the hype and interest behind a new system.
just like the 3DS fr
They cannot let 150 millions of players go, but i hope they'll do as few crossgen games as possible
The idea of giving Switch 2 games “Blue Sphere” style modes on Switch 1 is novel, but impractical. And I really dislike the idea of them recycling Switch 1 games with mild improvements in lieu of new entries. We really don’t need a New Play Control equivalent that doesn’t even apply across the board
I'd be happy to play my Switch games on the Switch 2 via backwards compatibility if it's free, but if I have to play extra for "Deluxe" versions of Switch games, then I'll probably pass on the Switch 2 for a few years until it has a good enough library of its own.
Why not just have a “Switch 2 Enhanced!” on all new regular Switch games when the Switch 2 releases
From a development point of view it’s just a terrible idea. The consoles are too far appart in terms of specs. It would literally be like developing 2 games : a PS4 game and a switch port
The other way around however would be rather easy to make : creating S1 games with a few improvements on S2 like a a better resolution.
That’s also a way to limit people’s expectations: if you buy a S1 game you expect it to look like a S1 game and any improvement would be welcomed… even if it’s just a crisper image
However if you buy a S2 game advertised as S1 compatible, people could be extremely disappointed if the game performs poorly or look too ugly. That would be absolutel PR hell
They're just gonna drop the switch one support outright like what they always do
I think it's far likelier that we'll instead get games marketed for Switch 1, which by default, is playable on Switch 2… but perhaps the Switch 2 will have enhancements such as better performance and whatnot.
Even then, not all games will get this. Sorry, but there's just no way Nintendo ISN'T making their new Mario Kart and 3D Mario exclusive to Switch 2. Killer software like this will remain firmly Switch 2-only.
Honestly though I think Nintendo is going to mostly ditch Switch 1 games when it launches (at least for 1st party). The games they would usually release when a successor is out have been happening for the past few years.
If the jump will be clean between systems, I think having two SKUs of a few games isn’t the worst thing in the world. There can be a $10 upgrade cost if you change your mind later. This isn’t gonna be like PS5 where everything came out on both systems for several years - the Switch is far too weak to run backported next gen stuff.
You end switch 1 games, by only having some ports be cross gen, once the switch 2 is out. Maybe if they did a F-zero game, or starfox they could also put these as crossgen since these are very unpopular games
I don't think it likely that switch 2 cartridges will fit into a switch 1. Nintendo will add a plastic tab.
I have a question. Why do you keep pushing the idea of Switch 1 getting more support than Nintendo has historically given their predecessor consoles? Despite their history and comments from multiple CEOs? The new Mario Kart being cross gen? Why? Do you genuinely believe it is possible?
I just find it a bit interesting that your focus after the official reveal of NS2 is to make even more content predicting these scenarios. Is it something you think actually has a higher than zero chance? Or are you just playing devil’s advocate?
I do enjoy your content and the time and effort you put into research. But when people like Iwata have commented a console will only ever get one Mario Kart (Source: Wii U 2013 Direct), is it very unlikely or impossible? Realistically speaking of course.
Or is it because we don’t have much to discuss about NS2? Perhaps you could talk about why Nintendo only decided to show one game in the teaser or why Nvidia hasn’t made a blog post comment on the technology provided to NS2 (like they did with NS1)?
This feels way too complicated to market effectively
Just market Switch 1 compatible games as "Nintendo Switch games" (even if they have enhanced Switch 2 controls or graphics-if they updated Pikmin 1 through 4 to support mouse mode they wouldn't suddenly become Switch 2 games would they?), and Switch 2 exclusives as "Nintendo Switch 2 games". It'll hurt game sales if a consumer only has a Switch 1 (or Switch Lite!) and doesn't get new games just because they're branded as Switch 2 games-and games are the very thing that'll get someone to stick to the platform.
Bruv you don’t need to make a video everyday. It’s ok.
Based on nothing more than wishful thinking, but im still rooting for a DK Country Maker
Idk, feels a little messy and hard to explain to casuals, imo.
It also feels like alot of extra work for developers, but what do I know?
i want them to beat PS2.
Terrible idea. It sounds like a gigantic waste of dev tools and marketing when it's far easier to simply stick to backwards compatibility and have games just naturally run a bit better on Switch 2. If Switch 2 titles run, even if comparatively poorly, on the original Switch, that discourages upgrading since I can still play games. This concept is just a software muddying mess waiting to happen and I don't think it would benefit anyone.
I hate it. A lot. This is exactly what Sony did for too long.
Nice
game boy color
🤦♂️
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