Nintendo boss says new console transition will be easier than ever

Nintendo is working on a brand new console. While there’s rumours about its form and functionality, and whether it will be backward compatible, and what it looks like, all we really know for certain is that it’s on the way. Perhaps in 2024, perhaps not. Some developers may have already seen it. Some may even have a working development unit.

In a recent conversation with Inverse, Nintendo of America boss Doug Bowser refused to comment on this ongoing speculation, but in discussing the future of Nintendo and its upcoming projects, he did confirm one solid tidbit about the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor: that the transition between the current Switch and its sequel will be relatively easy.

“In the past, every device we transitioned to had a whole new account system,” Bowser said. “Nintendo Account will allow us to communicate with our players if and when we make a transition to a new platform, to help ease that process or transition.”

“Our goal is to minimise the dip you typically see in the last year of one cycle and the beginning of another. I can’t speak to the possible features of a new platform, but the Nintendo Account is a strong basis for having that communication as we make the transition.”

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With this feature now confirmed by multiple official sources, we can assume – at the very least – that existing Switch purchases will remain tied to individual user accounts.

This doesn’t confirm backward compatibility in any capacity, as Nintendo 3DS and Wii U users could also maintain cross-platform accounts, but it does confirm Nintendo is looking to maintain its existing account ecosystem well into the future.

Where previously, new accounts and setups had to be established for a new console generation, players should be able to easily link their existing accounts to the new, yet-to-be-revealed Nintendo console.

In “minimising the dip”, the company may also look to maintain feature parity. Whether that includes retaining account-based features like Nintendo Switch Online and its associated game emulators remains a mystery, but it’s certainly a tantalising possibility.

Nintendo has likely learned a great deal from the popularity of the Nintendo Switch. It’s a fantastic hybrid console, and one that’s been supported by a strong array of game releases over a number of years. There will likely be a reluctance from players to transition to a new, overtly different console – but with Nintendo committing to its current accounts system, there will at least be some familiarity for those looking to make the leap to the new console.

At this stage, we don’t know much else about Nintendo‘s plans – but we’re likely to hear more in the coming months. Stay tuned for the latest developments from Nintendo.