Updates on Nintendo Direct Announced Today

Has any console delivered a more decisive final year than the Nintendo Switch?
The recent Nintendo Direct revealed several highly-anticipated games, announced new entries in the Zelda and Mario & Luigi series, and finally confirmed a release date for Metroid Prime 4.
Nintendo plans an exciting lineup for 2026, with several highly anticipated games to release.
Fans can expect titles like Metroid Prime 4, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D remakes, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A to arrive early in the year for the Switch. These releases aim to capture the attention of players around the world.
At the same time, Nintendo has revealed only limited details about its next console. During a recent investor call, the company announced it would not generate revenue from the console until the 2026/26 fiscal year.
The statement points to a likely release after April 2026. Fans eagerly await more updates.
Nintendo fans will enjoy this news. The Nintendo Switch ranks among the top gaming consoles, joining classics like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.
It would be a terrible ending for such a fantastic console if its final year were filled with lackluster game releases while Nintendo shifted its focus to a new system. Thankfully, that’s not what’s happening.
Nintendo has packed this year and the next with incredible games. By the time the Switch 2 arrives, players will have enjoyed many great gaming experiences. 
But with so many big releases in such a short time, it raises the question of what happens if players haven’t finished these games by the time the new console comes out.
Should they delay buying the Switch 2 or abandon unfinished games to jump into the next generation?

The solution is straightforward: backward compatibility. If Nintendo plans to release magnificent titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A in 2026, just months before the new console, it only makes sense for these games to work on the Switch 2.
Fortunately, Nintendo’s track record suggests this will be the case.
Nintendo maintains a reputation for being friendly to consumers. The company actively strives to uphold this image, whether fully earned or not.
It includes classic games with Nintendo Online subscriptions, develops sequels fans enjoy, and creates consoles for all age groups. People view Nintendo as a company that respects what its audience likes.
I don’t believe Nintendo would throw away that goodwill by skipping backward compatibility for the Switch 2.
Reports indicate the new console will likely be an upgraded version of the Switch, making it easier to support older games. 
Nintendo ensures compatibility even if it’s an entirely different system. They might make minor changes, like altering the cartridge design to prevent them from working on the old Switch, but it’s still better than leaving compatibility out altogether.
Considering Nintendo’s image and strong 2026 game lineup, it’s hard to imagine the Switch 2 not supporting current games. 
Titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A could bridge two console generations, much like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess did in the past.
These games will likely perform better and look even more stunning on the new system. Let’s hope we don’t have to repurchase them to see their full potential.