The Switch 2 development focused on enhancing performance by expanding its capacity, placing compatibility as a lower priority due to different hardware design approaches compared to past consoles like DS and Wii.
Switch 2 lacks internal hardware from the original Switch, making emulation the chosen route to ensure compatibility and battery efficiency.
Nintendo's system translates and plays Switch game data in real time, aiming for full compatibility with the new console's features.
Unlike traditional emulators, Nintendo's approach for the Switch 2 involves a unique emulation layer for flexible software compatibility rather than booting into a separate environment.
The transparency from Nintendo regarding the Switch 2's emulation development and compatibility testing is quite unusual but provides insights into the complexity of the process.
Nintendo is introducing a system transfer feature for moving Nintendo accounts and games from the original Switch to the Switch 2, a first for the company's hardware generations.
The emulation layer on the Switch 2 offers improved performance and power efficiency, allowing for potential free performance boosts without being limited by original hardware.
Despite some compatibility issues with certain Switch games on the Switch 2, ongoing testing aims to address and fix these problems to improve overall gaming experience.
Nintendo's unique approach with the Switch 2 marks a departure from traditional backward compatibility methods, utilizing a tailored emulation layer for improved software compatibility.
The decision to focus on emulation over hardware compatibility for the Switch 2 suggests a more cost-effective and flexible solution for supporting a wide range of games.