Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility: MVG Was RIGHT!

MVG revisits a previous video about backward compatibility challenges on the Nintendo Switch 2. Many viewers at the time disagreed, but new information validates the initial concerns.

Nintendo's Ask a Developer blog reveals details on how they tackled backward compatibility. Initially, performance enhancement was the priority, not backward compatibility.

Unlike previous systems (DS on 3DS, Wii on Wii U), the Switch 2 lacks dedicated Switch hardware. Nintendo opted for a novel solution: a blend of software emulation and hardware-level translation for running Switch games.

The Switch 2 utilizes a translation layer, particularly for CPU functions, to translate OS and service-level calls. GPU emulation involves shader recompilation due to architectural differences between Maxwell and Ampere GPUs. MVG uses his VA to HOS project as an example of shader recompilation in practice.

MVG analyzes Nintendo's compatibility chart, noting that most first-party games run well. However, a large percentage of partner games (70%) can only be started, requiring further testing. About 150 games are currently unable to start.

MVG concludes that while Nintendo has addressed backward compatibility, real-world performance remains to be seen. He doesn't expect resolution or frame rate bumps, suggesting it will be similar to standard emulation. It will depend on patches created for each separate game.