The Backward Compatibility of the Next Nintendo Console
The CEO and president of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games (creator of Grand Theft Auto), recently discussed the potential backward compatibility of the next Nintendo console. He recognizes that if a “Switch 2” lacks backward compatibility, it could be financially advantageous for Nintendo, as it would encourage dedicated fans to purchase game ports on the new console. However, according to Strauss Zelnick, this approach would break the “contract” between Nintendo and its players.
Should the Nintendo Switch 2 be Backward Compatible?
Zelnick acknowledges that Take-Two is not a console manufacturer and has never had to make decisions regarding backward compatibility. Nevertheless, he believes that if a console has the capability to support backward compatibility, it should do so. The only exception would be if there is a significant technological advancement that prevents such compatibility.
Nintendo has expressed their desire to transition as many Switch users as possible to their new console, and backward compatibility would help facilitate this. However, there is always the possibility that Nintendo could encounter technical obstacles while attempting to implement backward compatibility.
For Take-Two, it would be advantageous if the “Switch 2” could play games from the original Switch, as the publisher has released numerous titles for that console. These include popular franchises like NBA 2K, Borderlands, and the recently ported Red Dead Redemption. Surprisingly, Grand Theft Auto V, a nine-year-old game that has been through three console generations, has never been ported to the Switch.
