Nintendo Announces Switch 2 and It’s only Backwards-Compatible with GameCube Discs
In a surprising move, Nintendo has announced the Switch 2, a new console that will be able to play GameCube discs from the early 2000s. The Switch 2, which will launch in 2024, will feature a slot for inserting GameCube discs, as well as a wireless controller that resembles the classic GameCube controller.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said that the Switch 2 was designed to appeal to nostalgic gamers who grew up with the GameCube, as well as to introduce new generations to the classics. “The GameCube was a beloved console that had many iconic games, such as Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Animal Crossing. We want to give our fans the opportunity to relive those memories and share them with their friends and family,” Furukawa said.
However, not everyone is happy with Nintendo’s announcement. Many fans have expressed their disappointment and confusion over the fact that the Switch 2 will not be backwards compatible with any other Nintendo console, including the original Switch. The Switch 2 will only be able to play GameCube discs and digital games downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. It will not be able to play Switch cartridges, Wii discs, or Wii U discs.
“This makes no sense at all. Why would they make a new console that can’t play any of their recent games? I have a huge library of Switch games that I won’t be able to use on the Switch 2. And what about the Wii and Wii U? Those consoles had some great games too. Why would they ignore them?” said a frustrated fan on Twitter.
Nintendo has not given any official explanation for why the Switch 2 is only backwards compatible with the GameCube, but some industry insiders have speculated that it is due to technical and legal issues. According to an anonymous source, Nintendo had difficulty making the Switch 2 compatible with other consoles due to hardware limitations and software conflicts. Additionally, Nintendo faced some lawsuits from third-party developers who did not want their games to be playable on the Switch 2 without their consent or compensation.
Nintendo has also faced some criticism for the price of the Switch 2, which will cost $499 USD at launch. Some fans have argued that this is too expensive for a console that only plays old games and has limited features. However, Nintendo has defended its pricing strategy, saying that it reflects the value and quality of the GameCube library.
“The GameCube was a revolutionary console that pushed the boundaries of gaming. It had some of the most innovative and immersive games ever made. We believe that these games are worth paying for, and we hope that our fans will agree,” Furukawa said.
The Switch 2 will be available for pre-order starting from October 2023, and will be released in March 2024. Nintendo has also announced that it will release a special edition of the Switch 2 that will come with a replica of the GameCube console and four GameCube controllers. This edition will cost $699 USD and will be limited to 10,000 units worldwide.
