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The Nintendo Switch Will Have Backwards Compatibility
This is Furukawa. At today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…
— 任天堂株式会社（企業広報・IR） (@NintendoCoLtd) November 6, 2024
With the Nintendo Switch 2 confirmed to be backwards compatible, I’ll have a vast library of games to revisit at launch. This is especially exciting because the new console’s reported power improvements could resolve issues that held some games back on the original hardware.
Hardware Isn’t Everything
Performance is more than just raw hardware. For instance, Doom and Warframe run impressively well, unlike some other recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. With that in mind, here are the games I’m most eager to revisit.
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet: A Test of Optimization
These games, plagued by bugs and poor optimization, left me wondering whether better hardware could make a difference. While I don’t expect miracles, I’m curious to see if they perform as poorly as before.
Despite logging over 200 hours, my love for the franchise and the hope for a truly polished Pokémon game keep me optimistic.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – A Frame Rate Fix?
Warrior games on the Switch have notorious frame rate issues, but Age of Calamity stands out as one I’m eager to replay.
Its gripping story, stunning visuals, and addictive gameplay hooked me, though the repetitive nature burned me out after 40 hours. With a smoother experience on Switch 2, I’d dive into the DLC and finish the optional quests I left behind.
Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom: Zelda’s True Potential
Both games are technical masterpieces, but they aren’t without flaws, particularly in frame rate consistency.
My dream? A smooth visit to the Lost Woods and standing before the Great Deku Tree, an iconic Zelda locale that’s always held a special place in my heart. Here’s hoping the Switch 2 does justice to these breathtaking adventures.
Darksiders Genesis – A Top-Down Classic
As my favorite top-down action game on the Switch, Darksiders Genesis amazed me with its characters, story, and visuals.
However, heavy enemy-filled levels led to frustrating frame drops. I’m eager to revisit it on the Switch 2, hoping for a seamless experience—and maybe I’ll explore the rest of the franchise while I’m at it!
Little Nightmares – Cutting the Wait Times
The Little Nightmares franchise became a personal favorite, but the first game suffered from excruciatingly long load times on the Switch.
This was especially noticeable during co-op sessions with my girlfriend at the time. With the frequent deaths in this game, improved load times on the Switch 2 would make for a far more enjoyable replay.
Overwatch 2 – A Second Chance
While Overwatch 2 runs better on other platforms, the Nintendo Switch’s gyro controls make it unique.
Unfortunately, poor performance and graphic fidelity make it nearly unplayable on the current console. The Switch 2 could breathe new life into this title, boosting its player base and providing a much-needed upgrade for fans like me.
Looking Forward to More
These are just a few of the games I’m excited to revisit on the Nintendo Switch 2. With the promise of better hardware, there’s potential to elevate many others as well.
How about you? What games are you most eager to replay when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches?