Originally Published 4 months ago — by Hacker News
The discussion critiques Protocol Buffers, highlighting its limitations in backward compatibility and schema evolution, and explores alternatives like ASN.1 and CBOR, emphasizing the importance of schema management, versioning, and practical deployment considerations in serialization formats.
Nintendo has released firmware update 20.2.0 for the Switch 2, improving system stability, fixing parental control transfer issues, and enhancing backward compatibility, including resolving crashes in Portal 2 on the original Switch.
Digital Foundry tested the Switch 2's GameCube emulation, finding that while the games are faithfully represented, there are issues with input latency, analogue stick sensitivity, and frame drops that Nintendo needs to address for a more authentic experience.
The Xbox 360 has received a new system update, primarily affecting the dashboard's appearance and displaying ads for the newer Xbox Series X|S consoles, following the closure of the Xbox 360 store in July 2024. Despite the store's shutdown, backward-compatible games remain available, and online multiplayer support continues depending on publishers. Microsoft is actively developing new consoles and gaming hardware.
Limited Run Games has requested Nintendo to remove Gex Trilogy from the eShop because it currently doesn't work on Switch 2. Although a recent firmware update fixed most compatibility issues for their titles, Gex Trilogy remains problematic, and a patch is pending approval. Limited Run is working with Nintendo to resolve the issue and has asked for the game to be temporarily removed from sale.
PCI-SIG has officially released the PCI Express 7.0 specification, offering a 128 GT/s data rate, up to 512 GB/s bandwidth, and enhanced power efficiency, along with a new PCIe Optical Interconnect Solution for extended reach and higher performance in data centers and advanced computing applications.
The Nintendo Switch 2 significantly improves performance for backward-compatible games like Batman: Arkham Knight, fixing many of the original issues and nearly doubling performance, though graphical compromises remain. Initial tests show promising enhancements in game stability and speed, especially for demanding titles like Arkham Knight and The Witcher 3, but some limitations in visual quality and scaling persist. Further testing is expected to explore these improvements in more detail.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility for most Nintendo and third-party games, but streaming apps like Crunchyroll and Hulu will not be compatible at launch, with no clear information on new versions being developed.
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will support most original Switch games, with only one first-party title, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, being completely incompatible due to hardware size constraints. Most other titles, including third-party games, will work with some requiring updates or specific controllers, and a few streaming apps may not be supported at launch.
The Nintendo Switch, which has become Nintendo's best-selling hardware, builds on the ideas of the Wii U, offering seamless transition between handheld and TV gaming, and is set to continue this legacy with the upcoming Switch 2, emphasizing backward compatibility and enhanced features.
A 3D-printed dummy of the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has surfaced, revealing a larger device with an 8-inch display, additional buttons, and new ports, including a USB-C on top. The dummy, reportedly from case designer iVoler, suggests the Switch 2 will maintain physical game cartridge slots, hinting at backward compatibility. Despite the hype and accessory promotions, Nintendo has yet to officially announce the console, with a potential release pushed to mid-2024.
This Black Friday, the Nintendo Switch offers great value with deals including the console, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online subscription for $249.99. Despite its age, the Switch remains a worthwhile purchase due to its extensive game library and upcoming titles like Metroid Prime 4. Additionally, the Switch 2's backward compatibility ensures that current game purchases will remain relevant. With the Switch 2 expected to be more expensive, the current deals provide an affordable entry into Nintendo's gaming ecosystem.
PlayStation fans were disappointed after Sony's latest announcement, which included PS3 games Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, led to false hopes of backward compatibility with PS5 and PS4. Instead, these games will only be available via cloud streaming, a feature that many fans dislike. Despite ongoing requests, Sony has not made PS3 backward compatibility a reality, likely due to the PS3's complex architecture.
Nintendo announced that current Switch games will be compatible with its upcoming console, boosting investor confidence and leading to a 5.8% rise in its stock. This move is seen as a strategy to maintain user interest and ensure a smooth transition to the new device, similar to Apple's approach with the iPhone. The Switch, Nintendo's second-best selling console, faces declining demand, and the company plans to reveal more about its successor by March 2025.
Nintendo has confirmed that its upcoming Switch 2 console will support backward compatibility, allowing users to play original Switch games on the new device. This announcement, made via Nintendo's Japanese Twitter account and attributed to company president Shintaro Furukawa, also stated that Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the new console. The company emphasized the importance of maintaining the relationship with its over 100 million annual users by ensuring a smooth transition to the new system, which will offer a broad selection of titles from the original Switch.