Nintendo has just confirmed what many gamers hoped for: the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatible with the original Switch’s physical game cartridges. This news comes as a relief to those who’ve amassed a significant collection of games for the first-generation Switch, ensuring that their investment in physical media won’t go to waste with the new console.

This announcement might not come as a shock to many, given the breadcrumbs Nintendo has been dropping. Last November, during a corporate management policy briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa hinted at this feature with a statement that “Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch.” At the time, the ambiguity lay in whether this compatibility extended to physical cartridges or was limited solely to digital downloads. Now, we have clarity — your old Switch games will indeed find a new home in the Switch 2.

For subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online, the transition to Switch 2 will be even smoother. The service, which provides access to a vast library of retro games from the NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy, along with other perks like the cloud save feature and a music app, will continue to be supported on the new console. This continuity ensures that the community built around these shared digital experiences won’t be disrupted.

However, Nintendo has thrown in a caveat that’s worth noting. Not all games will make the leap to the Switch 2 without issues. The company has stated that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” This statement leaves room for speculation about which titles might fall into this category. Could it be games that rely heavily on specific hardware features like the HD Rumble or the IR Motion Camera in Joy-Con controllers? Or perhaps games that were tailored to the unique design constraints of the original Switch? The details are murky, and clarity is expected to come in due time.

The journey to this announcement has been paved with leaks, rumors, and eager anticipation. From whispers of enhanced hardware capabilities to debates over whether the new console would retain the beloved hybrid design, the gaming community has been on the edge of its seats. Today’s reveal video not only confirmed the backward compatibility but also showcased a design evolution that promises a larger screen, new Joy-Con features, and a sleek new dock. You can watch the full reveal video here, where Nintendo dives into these exciting updates.

The decision to include backward compatibility with physical media is a strategic one, echoing successful practices by competitors like Sony and Microsoft, who’ve seen the value in maintaining a connection with past libraries for their newer consoles. For Nintendo, this could be a significant selling point, ensuring that the Switch 2 isn’t just a fresh start but a continuation of the gaming journey many have embarked upon with the original Switch.