The Switch 2 has finally been announced, and most questions over how it will work have been answered. From compatible hardware to games and more, we now have a bunch of details on how the system will handle backwards compatibility.
Lucky for you, we have pulled together all the information we know into this complete rundown.
Can the Switch 2 play Nintendo Switch games?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 can play digital and physical Switch 1 games. This means you can return to experiences you started, replay games, keep all your progress and save data, provided it is tied to your account.
Credit: Nintendo
You will be able to do a System Transfer from your Switch 1 to Switch 2 when the system launches, bringing over all your data.
What Switch 1 games won’t be compatible with Switch 2?
Switch 2 is unlikely to be able to play the following games that require extra peripherals:
Nintendo Labo
Nintendo Piano
These two games/experiences have specific holders for the Joy-Con on Switch 1 and the new Joy-Cons are simply too big for them, making them completely unusable. Additionally, any Nintendo Labo experiences in other games also won’t work, including , , , and . The rest of the game will be playable, however.
Spice And Wolf
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Additionally, there are a number of Nintendo Switch games with start-up issues and compatibility issues:
Alan Wake Remastered
Alien Isolation
Another Crab’s Treasure
Dead By Daylight
Everspace
Factorio
Fall Guys
Hitman 3 – Cloud Version
Hot Wheels Unleashed
Just Dance 2019
Little Nightmares Complete Edition
NBA 2K18
NBA 2K25
Plants vs. Zombies Battle For Neighborville
Rocket League
Saint’s Row IV: Re-Elected
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe: Late[cl-r]
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
The full list of games with launch issues on Switch 2 is here, with the Switch 2 compatibility issues list here.
Will Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons work on Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons will work with the Switch 2. These will need to be paired wirelessly, as they can’t attach to the Nintendo Switch 2. This also means you will need to charge them using a stand or charging grip.
Will Nintendo Switch controllers work on Switch 2?
Yes, Nintendo Switch controllers like the N64 controller, Pro Controller, and NES Controller can be used with the Nintendo Switch 2. They can be connected to the Switch 2 wirelessly or with a USB cable.
