Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch, which was formerly known as the NX. The trailer revealed some of its main functions such as its use of cartridges instead of discs, its detachable controllers, wireless connectivity with other Switch units, and how it works as both a home console and as a portable handheld device.
Quickly following its launch, Famitsu (via Gamespot) reveals that Nintendo has since confirmed that the Switch will not be physically backward compatible with Wii-U and 3DS games. This would make sense given that the Wii-U uses discs and the Switch does not. While both the Switch and 3DS use cartridges, it appears that their cartridges are different internally as well as in their shape and size.
However, Gamespot points out that this does not immediately rule out digitally released games. If the Switch can be backward compatible with digitally released Wii-U and 3DS games, it will make the transition from the old console to the new one easier for apprehensive consumers.
This may prove to be a problem, however, as Wii-U and 3DS games often require a touch screen for some mechanics and others need two screens. The Switch has only one screen and Nintendo remains silent on whether or not the Switch's screen is a touch display.
It may be possible that the Switch will feature compatibility for both the 3DS and Wii-U Virtual Console. This may allow gamers who bought classic SNES, Gameboy Advance, or N64 games on the Virtual Console to be able to access them on the Switch.
As reported by Nintendo Life, the Switch is also going to fix the problem that led to the downfall of the Wii-U, which is the lack of support from third-party developers. The report reveals a full list of developers that have pledged to release games on the Switch.
Some of the listed developers include Square-Enix, ARC System Works, Activision, Atlus, Bandai Namco, Electronic Arts, Bethesda Softworks, SEGA, Capcom, Take-Two Interactive, and Ubisoft.
The Nintendo Switch is scheduled to roll out in March 2017.
