Nintendo has hinted that it may release more games for the original Switch console, even as the Switch 2 prepares for a price increase. President Shuntaro Furukawa suggested the company is considering expanding its software business across both platforms.
Nintendo's Plans for Switch 1 Support
During a Q&A session following Nintendo's financial report for the 2026 fiscal year, Furukawa stated: 'I believe it is important that we consider how to expand the entire software business, including titles for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, instead of focusing only on sales of Nintendo Switch 2 software.' This indicates that further Switch 1 games are being discussed or scheduled.
So far in 2026, Nintendo has released only two wholly new Switch 1 games: Tomodachi Life and Pokémon Champions, with Rhythm Paradise Groove arriving in July. Most other titles, like Yoshi And The Mysterious Book and the Star Fox remake, are exclusive to Switch 2. However, Furukawa's comments suggest more cross-gen releases could be on the way.
Market Considerations and Price Hikes
Only 40% of Tomodachi Life players own a Switch 2, according to Furukawa, highlighting a large audience of Switch 1 owners not rushing to upgrade. The upcoming Switch 2 price increase may further reduce demand, making continued Switch 1 support a strategic move. Nintendo could also use lower-budget, quicker-to-develop Switch 1 games to fill gaps left by the lack of Wii U ports, which were crucial for the original Switch's success.
Potential for Lower-Profile Franchises
More Switch 1 games could help maintain franchises like F-Zero or Metroid. While Metroid Prime 4 underperformed, Metroid Dread was a hit, and a sequel could thrive on Switch 1 without requiring the new console's power. Retro re-releases, such as older Pokémon games like FireRed and LeafGreen, which are playable on both systems, have also proven successful.
Mario Kart World as an 'Evergreen' Title
Furukawa also addressed slowing sales of Mario Kart World, the Switch 2's best-selling game, after Nintendo stopped selling the console bundle. He described it as an 'evergreen' title that Nintendo plans to sell throughout the Switch 2's lifecycle, likely through DLC additions. However, he provided no timeline for such updates.
Nintendo's strategy appears to balance supporting the large Switch 1 user base while driving adoption of the Switch 2 through exclusive titles and ongoing software updates.
