Excitement Builds as Rumors of Nintendo Switch 2 Production and Backwards Compatibility Surface

The gaming community is abuzz with excitement as fresh rumors about the Nintendo Switch 2 emerge. Recent information indicates that the next iteration of Nintendo's popular console may have moved into mass production, fueling speculation about its features and release timeline.

MST Financial senior analyst David Gibson has shared intriguing insights regarding Hosiden, Nintendo's key assembler. According to Gibson's post on X / Twitter, Hosiden is investing ¥2 billion in production equipment and ¥1 billion in automation for the fiscal year 2025, aimed at serving its significant client in the amusement sector, which is Nintendo. Gibson anticipates news in September and hints at a March 2025 launch for the new device.

The accompanying graph highlights a notable increase in spending on automation, alongside investments in production facilities and a new factory located in Vietnam. This development strongly suggests that hardware manufacturing activities are likely in progress at the Osaka-based assembler.

Additionally, industry insider Nate the Hate has made comments in the r/GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit, supporting the notion that the Nintendo Switch 2 will indeed feature support for backwards compatibility. This isn't the first indication we've received about such compatibility for the upcoming console, as a Nintendo executive previously hinted at this possibility during a shareholder Q&A last year.

During that session, the executive noted that the Nintendo Switch allows direct connections with diverse customers through Nintendo Accounts. They mentioned their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for users moving from the Nintendo Switch to its successor. Although not explicitly confirming backward compatibility, the suggestion of a more fluid transition, especially in contrast to the jump from the disc-based Wii U to the cartridge-compatible Switch, implies that Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo Switch Online accounts could be transferable to the new system.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that Nintendo typically holds a Nintendo Direct presentation each September. If this tradition continues, there’s a strong possibility we could witness an official announcement regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 this month.