Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima earlier confirmed that existing Wii U games will not work in the new Switch console.
However, he did add that they may re-release those games on the new console in the near future.
With just days to go before the big launch, Nintendo Switch is the most hyped console of 2017. Being a hybrid device that can work on televisions as well as a handheld on the go, the new console has caught the attention of many gamers. The only hurdle could be the fact that it may not have too many games at launch and you won’t be able to play your Wii U titles on the console.
“Switch will not work with games as it doesn’t have backwards compatibility. Similarly, controllers designed for other devices such as the Wii U will not work with the new hardware. However, we do have plans to add support for select controllers that might enhance the gaming experience. We will look into it,” said Kimishima speaking to the Time magazine.
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He further added that they do have plans to launch remastered version of current Wii U games on the Nintendo Switch console. “It could be a remastered version or the original edition that will be launched on the console,” he said. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a good example as it is already on the Wii U system but a fully revamped version is coming to Switch. You will be able to play the amazing title on the go in 720p resolution while the full console experience is provided at home, when you dock the device.
Bandai Namco is working on a remastered version of Smash Bros, which is purely a rumor at this point. But, going by the statement Kimishima made during the interview, it could probably be the truth. If they have plans to remaster or simply make the existing games compatible with Nintendo Switch console, the game library would grow at a rapid pace within matter of months. It will also give the hardware the much needed boost after launch so that it sells as many as possible before Playstation 5 or the Xbox Scorpio is officially out.
Nintendo’s decision to not support older games and controllers didn’t go well with gamers. They may not be able to use any of the existing peripherals but should wait for a software update. Similarly, if they are going to sell remastered version of same games at full price, it might create another dent in their player base.