Nintendo Plans Smooth Transition for Accounts on New Console

Nintendo isn’t seen as the most technologically savvy gaming company in the game. In fact, a lot of jokes online regarding Nintendo’s approach to online chat functionality, multiplayer games, and even their Nintendo Switch Online program pop up almost daily. While the past isn’t a masterclass in putting player convenience and (let’s face it) logic at the forefront, Nintendo is promising to up their game for the next console cycle.

During an investor’s Q&A, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa shared that players can expect their Nintendo Accounts to transfer smoothly to the next console the company releases. Back in the days of the Wii U and 3DS, a NNID was utilized before getting replaced on the Switch with a Nintendo Account. Considering the popularity of the latest console, it’s no surprise that a jump to a new generation might include some improvements to how players move from one platform to the next.

If these conversations are underway, one has to assume that rumors of a 2024 launch for the next Nintendo console are more than likely. I’m hoping that we see something revealed in the spring for a May or June release. Either way, one big question will be the compatibility of digital games purchased on the Switch. Let’s say you can move your Nintendo Account over easily; that’s great and everything.

That said, are you going to be able to play Switch games on the new console? Backward compatibility was sacrificed on the Switch after moving from Wii and Wii U disks to the cartridge format. My deepest hope is that the next console improves performance but allows the overall concept of the Switch to carry over. What are you hoping for in the new Nintendo console? Let us know in the comments!