Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 will not be hardware-compatible with the original Switch, as this was not the initial goal of the console`s creators. This information came from a Q&A session on the company`s website.
According to engineer Takuhiro Dota, the Switch 2 ultimately uses a hybrid approach, combining software and hardware components. He noted that pure emulation would require the console to constantly run at maximum power, which would heavily drain the battery. Instead, the developers have written a special script to “transform” the game version into a native one for the Switch 2. However, the process is not fully automated and requires manual testing and adjustments. Therefore, Nintendo cannot guarantee that all games released on the Switch will be compatible with the Switch 2.
The base version of the Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $450. The console will also be sold in a bundle with a new Mario Kart game for $500. Additionally, a camera will be released specifically for the Switch 2, which can be used in cooperative games for video communication. Pre-orders are scheduled to start on April 8th.
Finley Holt