QUICK SUMMARY
New rumours have emerged that suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 not only has backwards compatibility but could in fact enhance your old games. With the potential new hardware, your favourite Nintendo games will never have looked so good!
It's one of the most heartbreaking things in gaming. You get a new console bright and shiny and full of power, and you love it. But then one day you decide to boot up a classic game on your old system, and it looks unrecognisable and runs horribly. How did you ever like it? You can never go back.
Well, the Switch 2 could reportedly go beyond nostalgia and actually improve the performance of your beloved Switch titles because let's be honest, it was underpowered at launch and 7 years have only accentuated that.
It was stated on the Portuguese podcast X do Controle and picked up by Universo Nintendo that developers will be able to make 'improvements' to titles designed for the original Switch. This would make it the de facto best Nintendo console out at the moment and be a great way to bolster what is normally a fairly limited launch lineup for new consoles.
The same sources also claim that backward compatibility will exist for both digital and physical copies of Switch games, so make sure to keep the same Nintendo account (and SD card).
This didn't happen last time Nintendo upgraded its console from the Wii U to the Switch, probably because the Switch doesn't have a disk drive (it uses cartridges instead) for a start.
So how big of an upgrade could we see? Well, it would depend on how much time and resources developers are willing to put into improving their old games, but considering the Nvidia tech rumoured to be in the Switch 2 there's serious room for improvement. With both DLSS and raytracing support mentioned, that could bring a massive leap to not just framerates but also how games use lighting.
Obviously, though we're most excited for the potential of new Switch 2 exclusive games, and you can see our dream Switch 2 launch titles for yourself.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
iOS 18.2 upgrade – here's how to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone
Apple has released its iOS 18.2 upgrade, bringing a range of new features to your iPhone. Discover how to get the features and what to expect
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
T3's Christmas Gadget Gifts: totally tech
Tech – in a tech mag! Who’d have thought?!
By T3.com Published
-
The best gaming headset I've ever used hits lowest-ever price for Black Friday
This SteelSeries headset will elevate your gaming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I sold my PS5 to upgrade to the PS5 Pro and it might have been a mistake
Do I regret it? Ask me again in six months...
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Nintendo Switch 2 details confirmed – company boss reveals key features
Switch fans will very much welcome the news
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple allegedly planning major changes to App Store that make so much sense
Apple might be making a one-stop shop for its best games.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox rolls out the red carpet for Call of Duty with new accessories
Xbox has a bunch of accessory designs to celebrate the arrival of Black Ops 6
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
How to watch the new Xbox Games Showcase this week
Xbox's new online presentation is all about games, games, games – here's how to watch it live
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Huge Pokémon data leak includes Nintendo Switch 2 details
Details leaked by hackers reveal some interesting facts
By Rik Henderson Published