Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility explained: How your existing games will work

Will my current Nintendo Switch games work on Nintendo Switch 2?

Yes! Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will support both physical and digital games from the original Switch. This means if you already own a collection of Switch cartridges, you’ll be able to play them on the new console. Likewise, you can also play any digital games you’ve purchased from the Nintendo eShop on the Switch 2.

What Switch games will not be compatible with Switch 2?

Unfortunately, Nintendo also confirmed some limitations of the Switch 2’s backward compatibility. Namely, that some original Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. These are the 3 main reasons why certain games may not work:

1. Games that rely on specific hardware, like sensors or accessories
2. Games with software restrictions or licensing issues
3. Games that require updates or patches to function correctly
   
   

Nintendo hasn’t shared a complete list of non-backward compatible games yet, but here are some popular games from the original Switch that may not be fully compatible with Switch 2:

• Nintendo Labo series: these games rely heavily on the cardboard Toy-Con accessories, which may not be fully supported on Switch 2 due to hardware differences.
• Ring Fit Adventure: this game depends on the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories. If Switch 2 has different motion controls or connectivity changes, the compatibility could be affected.
• 1-2-Switch / Everybody 1-2-Switch!: These party games use motion controls, HD Rumble, and IR camera features in Joy-Cons, which may not function exactly the same on Switch 2.
• Super Mario Party: A lot of minigames in Mario Party rely on Joy-Con motion controls, which may not work with Switch 2 Joy-Cons.
• Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee: These games use motion-based Poké Ball throwing mechanics, which might not work the same way with the new Joy-Cons on the Switch 2.
• Nintendo Switch Sports: Similar to Ring Fit Adventure, this game uses motion tracking and the Leg Strap accessory, which might not work properly if the Switch 2 has different sensor technology.
  
  

Will original Switch games run better on Switch 2?

With the Switch 2 packing much improved hardware, many of us are hoping that original Switch games will run smoother, load faster, and maybe even get a resolution or frame rate boost through backward compatibility. But so far, Nintendo hasn’t confirmed whether older titles will actually take advantage of the upgraded hardware. Fingers crossed that the Switch 2 can give our favorite games a well-deserved performance upgrade!

How can I carry over my current Switch games to Switch 2?

Nintendo hasn’t shared any specifics on how backward compatibility will work yet—only that both physical and digital Switch games will be supported. For physical cartridges, this likely means you’ll be able to insert them into the Switch 2 just like on the original Switch, possibly with an adapter if the new system has a different cartridge slot. As for digital games, you’ll probably have access to your entire library once you log into your Nintendo Switch Online account, assuming Nintendo sticks with the same online ecosystem for the Switch 2.

Will my Nintendo Switch Online membership carry over to Switch 2?

Most likely, yes. Nintendo hasn’t revealed any details on the online ecosystem that the Switch 2 will use. However, if the Switch 2 continues using Nintendo Switch Online, it’s very likely that your current subscription will simply remain active and will be usable on the Switch 2.

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