Everything We Know About How Nintendo Is Phasing Out Previous-Gen Consoles for the Switch 2
While there may be a new Nintendo console looming on the horizon, that doesn’t mean people are done with the Nintendo Switch. The hybrid handheld console has an incredible library of games, including both indie classics and big AAA titles. It’s become one of the most popular Nintendo consoles ever with over 143.42 million copies sold.
If you’re one of the millions of people who own a Switch, you might be wondering how much time you have to enjoy the full functionality of games that use online services like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimateor Animal Crossing: New HorizonsWhile the future and logistics behind the Switch 2 rumors are still unclear, we can at least look to past Nintendo practices to see what the company has done in the past and get an idea of how long people will be able to enjoy their games on the Switch.
Can I still play games on my Nintendo Switch when the Switch 2 comes out?
In the past, Nintendo hasn’t stopped people from playing their games offline, even when the company shut down online functionality. You shouldn’t have to worry about continuing to enjoy your games in-person. However, online services can still play a central role in enjoying Nintendo games. They can allow people to visit friends’ islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or players to let people around the world race in Mario Kart. Even if you don’t play games online or pay for a Nintendo online subscription service, access to online functionality can still be affected, as Nintendo also has sunset services like the eShop. After those eShops were shut down, users could no longer purchase or download new games to their device.
How long will Nintendo support online services for the original Nintendo Switch?
For a guide, it’s helpful to look at previous consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles. Nintendo released the 3DS in the United States in the spring of 2011; the company discontinued the 3DS eShop in 2023 and online services for are playing in the spring of 2024. For those handhelds, their game servers were online for about 13 years. As for the Wii U, it came out in 2012 and its online and eShop services were shut down at the same time as the Nintendo 3DS consoles — so about 12 years for that console.
It’s important to note that this example includes devices from before the era of paid Nintendo online subscriptions, such as Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Previously, Nintendo console owners didn’t have to pay to use online services, so it’s unclear whether the Switch’s transition to the rumored Switch 2 will be any different. Additionally, the phasing out of services sometimes includes exceptions for certain game features.
While we can’t say how Nintendo will handle the transition to the next generation of consoles, the good news is that people likely still have many years to enjoy their Nintendo Switch and the full functionality of online services for their favorite games. It’s always a sad day when people can no longer download new games, but that day is likely many years away for the original Nintendo Switch and its owners.