A top gaming executive recently commented on the possible consequences of a console without backwards compatibility, stating that it violates a contract with consumers and is far from ideal. In an interview with GI.biz, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his opinion on the matter, in light of a VGC report which claimed some developers do not want the next Nintendo console to support backwards compatibility for original Switch games.
Quick Facts
- Backwards compatibility should be provided if technically possible to meet consumer expectations.
- Next Nintendo console is rumored to release in 2024.
- Switch has sold over 125 million units, making it the third-best-selling console of all time.
Zelnick argued that companies must give consumers what they want and optimize their experience. Neglecting to provide a feature that is technically feasible in order to maximize sales is not fulfilling the contract with consumers. While the absence of backwards compatibility might increase revenue temporarily, Zelnick questioned the long-term cost of such a decision.
Although Take-Two does not manufacture hardware and thus does not have decision-making power in this area, Zelnick believes that if technical compatibility is possible, it should be pursued. However, he acknowledged that in certain cases, if the advancement is significant enough, compatibility may not be achievable.
The trend of backwards compatibility is becoming more common with newer consoles, a noticeable shift from the past when games for one console would not work on the next. Technical limitations and the desire to promote sales of new games likely contributed to this historical lack of compatibility.
The next Nintendo console is rumored to launch in 2024, but there have been no official announcements from the company. Some developers are said to already have the system and are working on games for it. It has been suggested that the next Nintendo console will have some level of backwards compatibility, as it will reportedly use the same account system as the Switch.
Prior to these rumors, a research firm projected that Nintendo would release its next major console in 2024. In May, reports indicated that development on the next Nintendo console was “progressing well.” The Switch has sold more than 125 million units, making it the third-best-selling console of all time.
Rumors of a more powerful Switch have been circulating for a while now, but Nintendo has not confirmed these claims. However, the company has confirmed that it will release a new console before the year 2100.
