# **Nintendo Enthusiasts Celebrate: The Game Boy Advance Heritage and the Future of the Switch**
Nintendo enthusiasts are well known for their profound admiration for the company’s ongoing commitment to its gaming systems. A notable instance of this is the **Game Boy Advance (GBA)**, a portable console that kept receiving support even after the arrival of its successor, the Nintendo DS. Now, it appears that history is on the verge of repeating itself with the **Nintendo Switch**, as Nintendo has announced that it will keep supporting the console even after the introduction of the **Switch 2**.
## **Nintendo Switch Achieves a Significant Landmark**
Prior to the eagerly awaited **Switch 2** hitting store shelves, its predecessor has already accomplished an impressive milestone: the Nintendo Switch has exceeded **150 million units sold** ([Nintendo](https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html)). This positions it as one of the highest-selling consoles in history, second only to the **PlayStation 2 (over 160 million units)** and the **Nintendo DS (156 million units)**.
Considering this substantial player base, it’s unsurprising that Nintendo has opted to continue supporting the Switch, even post the launch of its next-generation console. Nintendo President **Shuntaro Furukawa** recently affirmed in an interview with Japanese magazine **Sankei** that the company will sustain support for the Switch **as long as it is needed** ([VGC](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-says-it-will-continue-to-support-switch-after-switch-2s-launch-as-long-as-theres-demand/)).
## **What Does Ongoing Support Entail?**
While Furukawa didn’t elaborate, two plausible scenarios emerge regarding how Nintendo will maintain support for the Switch:
1. **New Game Introductions** – Nintendo may continue to roll out new titles for the Switch, just as it sustained the **3DS** even after the Switch debut in 2017. This could encompass remakes, remasters, or ports of classic titles.
2. **Continuous Online Services** – Nintendo might uphold vital services such as the **Nintendo eShop**, **Nintendo Switch Online**, and multiplayer servers, ensuring players retain access to their digital collections and online play.
## **Fans Applaud the Announcement**
The Nintendo community has responded positively to this news. On **Reddit**, users on r/NintendoSwitch2 have been actively discussing the development, with many expressing their enthusiasm regarding the ongoing support for the Switch.
One of the top remarks draws a parallel to the **Game Boy Advance**, noting:
> *”Nintendo maintained support for the GBA even after the DS launched, so this isn’t unprecedented.”*
Another participant highlighted that not all **150 million Switch owners** will be able to transition to the **Switch 2** without delay:
> *”I mean – that sounds good? Not all 150 million Switch owners will make the jump to Switch 2 right away.”*
This viewpoint mirrors the reality that numerous gamers may prefer to stick with their current consoles for financial considerations or simply because they are content with the existing game library.
## **Backward Compatibility and the Switch’s Future**
A significant benefit of the **Switch 2** is its **backward compatibility** with the original Switch. This function allows players to transfer their game libraries—both physical and digital—to the new console. This is a notable step by Nintendo, ensuring that players won’t lose access to their beloved titles upon upgrading.
Moreover, Nintendo has a history of continuing support for older consoles for several years after new systems are released. For instance, the **Nintendo 3DS** kept receiving new games and updates even after the Switch launched. If past performance is any guide, the Switch may continue to have a promising future even after the **Switch 2** debuts.
## **Will the Switch Outshine the Nintendo DS?**
With **150 million units sold**, the Switch is already among the most successful consoles in gaming history. Should Nintendo continue to support it for a few more years, it might even eclipse the **Nintendo DS (156 million units)** and challenge the **PlayStation 2 (over 160 million units)** for the title of the best-selling console of all time.
## **Final Remarks: A Triumph for Nintendo Fans**
For those not prepared to transition to the **Switch 2**, this announcement is excellent news. Nintendo’s promise to support the **Switch** guarantees that millions of players can keep enjoying their favorite games and services without feeling compelled to upgrade promptly.
### **What Are Your Thoughts?**
Are you in favor of ongoing support for the Nintendo Switch? Or are you eager to make the leap to the **Switch 2**? Share your thoughts in the comments!
With the **Switch 2** anticipated to launch later this year, all eyes are on Nintendo as