Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your pal Nuked, here to sprinkle some humor and insights on the latest buzz in the gaming world. Buckle up, because we’ve got some exciting news from Nintendo!

Nintendo hasn’t officially unveiled its next-gen console yet, but we’ve got a juicy tidbit: it will support backward compatibility for all your beloved Switch games! Plus, your Nintendo Switch Online services and account will carry over. This little nugget was shared during Nintendo’s midyear policy briefing, with more details promised to drop later.

In the same breath, Nintendo shared some impressive numbers about the current Switch. They sold 4.72 million units in just three months—a 31% dip compared to last year, but hey, that’s not too shabby for a console eight years in! To date, they’ve moved a whopping 146 million Switch units and have set a new record for software sales on any Nintendo platform, hitting 1.3 billion units as of September 30, 2024. However, Switch Online subscriptions took a slight hit, now sitting at around 34 million members, though more folks are opting for the pricier Expansion Pack.

During the presentation, it was proudly stated that “more software has been played on Nintendo Switch than on any other Nintendo hardware.” That’s quite the bragging right!

Now, let’s talk backward compatibility—it’s a mixed bag across the major console players. The Xbox Series X and PS5 have mostly nailed it, but given that the Switch made the leap from discs to cartridges after the Wii U era, it’s a whole different ballgame. Currently, playing older Nintendo titles feels like a game of chance—fingers crossed for remastered ports or additions to the Switch Online library.

According to Nintendo’s timeline, we can expect to see the Switch 2 (or whatever cool name they decide on) revealed before April 2025. Don’t worry; this won’t disrupt their relationship with over 100 million annual Switch users. The backward compatibility discussion isn’t just about keeping gamers happy; it’s also about preserving gaming history. A report from the Video Game History Foundation revealed that over 87% of games released before 2010 are either “critically endangered” or simply unavailable for purchase. While Nintendo has brought some classics to the Switch, many gems remain locked away.

It’s worth noting that Nintendo has contributed to this scarcity by shutting down the Wii U/3DS e-shop last year. Talk about a double-edged sword!

As if teasing us further, Nintendo seems to be dropping hints about everything except their next console! Recent weeks have seen them launch a museum exhibit, test out a mysterious MMO, unveil an alarm clock (yes, you read that right), and introduce a music streaming app.

And that’s the scoop! Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to whatever magical gaming wonders Nintendo has in store for us!

Update: As of November 5th, 2024, additional details have been added—keep your eyes peeled!