With all of the reports and rumors related to Nintendo’s next console, from developers getting a sneak peek at Gamescom to Activision Blizzard getting details earlier than that, it’s only matter of time before Nintendo’s next console will be revealed. One of the things that everyone’s wondering is whether or not backward compatibility will be available. Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser didn’t reveal a lot in a new interview with Inverse but did mention that Nintendo Accounts will continue from this generation to the next.
Talking about Nintendo Accounts, Bowser said “Well, first I can’t comment — or I won’t comment, I should say — on the rumours that are out there. But one thing we’ve done with the Switch to help with that communication and transition is the formation of the Nintendo Account. In the past, every device we transitioned to had a whole new account system. Creating the Nintendo Account will allow us to communicate with our players if and when we make a transition to a new platform, to help ease that process or transition.
“Our goal is to minimize the dip you typically see in the last year of one cycle and the beginning of another. I can’t speak to the possible features of a new platform, but the Nintendo Account is a strong basis for having that communication as we make the transition.”
According to reports, the next Nintendo console will be released next year. Despite that, Nintendo is still supporting the Switch with Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet DLC, Super Mario RPG Remake, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door HD, a Mario vs. Donkey Kong Remake, Luigi’s Mansion 2, and Princess Peach: Showtime!
Bowser also talked about how things are changing with consolidation in the industry. He even talked about the reports that Microsoft wanted to acquire Nintendo. “We have a great relationship with Microsoft,” Bowser said. “We consider them to be partners in many, many ways, and you only have to look at Nintendo Switch to see that partnership. Obviously, Minecraft is on Nintendo Switch, and we brought Banjo Kazooie to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. So, we’re looking forward to that partnership continuing.”
“As far as consolidation in the industry goes, I’ve been a part of this industry for 16-plus years now. One thing that’s been constant is the acquisitions of studios. But the other constant is the fact that new studios are popping up every single year. Incredibly creative studios are making content, from indie-sized to AAA-sized games. So as consolidation happens, on an equal basis, we’re seeing these new studios, which really just speaks to the dynamic nature of the industry overall. In the end, that bodes well for the player.”