Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch Share Firmware Versions: What This Means for Users
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Published on: May 12, 2025
Description
Nintendo has made a significant shift in its platform strategy with the Nintendo Switch 2, as recent developments reveal that both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch are running on almost identical firmware versions.
This move marks the first time in Nintendo’s history that two separate hardware platforms share the same operating system firmware, echoing strategies more commonly found in mobile and PC ecosystems.
The news was brought to light through a video shared on the Nintendo Today! app, where viewers spotted a Nintendo Switch 2 operating on firmware version 20.1.0.
For comparison, the original Nintendo Switch received its own firmware update—version 20.0.1—on May 1, 2025.
The closeness of these version numbers has led many to note not only the technical similarities but also the potential advantages for developers and users alike.
Historically, Nintendo platforms have featured unique operating system firmware for each generation, often making cross-compatibility and long-term support complex.
However, aligning the firmware versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Switch brings them in line with practices seen in the smartphone and technical computing sectors, where multiple devices—including those with distinct hardware features—run on uniform system software.
In a statement paraphrased from Nintendo Today!, analysts note that while it is unusual for a next-generation console to directly share its system firmware with its predecessor, the approach could streamline development workflows and support broader compatibility across generations.
This would make it easier for game developers to maintain and update titles on both platforms, potentially extending the software lifespan of the original Switch while ensuring a smoother transition for users upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2.
Recent sales milestones for the Nintendo Switch platform underscore the importance of such a move.
Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch family of systems has sold over 125 million units worldwide, cementing its place as one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to continue this legacy, a unified firmware approach aligns with Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to foster accessibility and sustain its active eShop and online ecosystem.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 introduces new hardware capabilities, the shared firmware signifies Nintendo’s commitment to cross-generational support and platform cohesiveness.
As the company prepares for the coming years, this software strategy could set a precedent for future hardware releases.
For now, both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners will benefit from a consistent user experience and streamlined updates, further solidifying the platform’s position in an increasingly connected gaming world.
