Ninetendo Reveals Details About Switch 2’s Backward Compatibility

Nintendo has provided new details on Switch 2, such as the backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2, confirming that the console will support many previous Switch games and accessories, including Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller.

Let’s dive into all the new information we’ve collected for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

1. Everything About Nintendo Switch 2: Backward Compatibility

According to Switch 2 director Takuhiro Dohta, the main focus was on enhancing the console’s performance, making compatibility a secondary priority. Thus, Nintendo Switch 2’s backwards compatibility has its limitations due to significant technical challenges.

The Switch 2 uses a hybrid solution, incorporating elements of software emulation and hardware compatibility, to convert Switch 1 data into a format the Switch 2 can process in real-time. A full software emulator was considered impractical due to its potential impact on battery life.

Nintendo has released an initial list of Switch 1 games that are incompatible with the Switch 2, including demanding titles like Doom Eternal and certain emulated games like Arcade Archives. Additionally, some games, such as Fall Guys and Alien: Isolation, will experience “some in-game compatibility issues.”

While several dozen titles are affected, Nintendo has confirmed that 122 first-party games and over 15,000 third-party titles are compatible with the Switch 2. The company is working to improve compatibility and is collaborating with publishers and developers to achieve this goal.

i. List of Games Compatible with the New Switch 2

During the Nintendo Switch 2 event, viewers were directed to Nintendo’s website for details on compatible original Switch titles. The details of backward compatibility on the Nintendo Switch 2 are more complex than expected.

The company has created a comprehensive list of tested games from both Nintendo and third-party developers. According to Nintendo’s website, over 100 Nintendo games and more than 15,000 partner games are compatible with the new console. This list includes games like:

• Mario Party Jamboree
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokémon Legends Z-A

(These games will receive paid upgrades ($10-$15) with new features, content, or significant changes.)

• ARMS
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet
• Pokémon Violet
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

(These games will receive free performance-focused updates, but content updates will vary.)

Surprisingly, titles thought to be incompatible, such as Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, Game Builder Garage, and Nintendo Switch Sports, are partially supported on the Switch 2 using original Joy-Cons or workarounds outlined by Nintendo.

Players can connect their original Joy-Cons to the Switch 2 to play these games, but the Switch 2 cannot charge these original Joy-Cons.

ii. List of Games Incompatible with the New Switch 2

Nintendo has categorized games with compatibility issues into two lists: “games with startup issues” and “games with in-game compatibility issues”.

There are 141 games with startup issues, including:

• Fortnite (Switch 1 version; a Switch 2-specific version is coming on launch day)
• Dead by Daylight
• Doom: Eternal
• Final Fantasy
• Rocket League
• Warframe
• NBA 2K25

There are 47 games with in-game compatibility issues, including:

• Alien: Isolation
• Fall Guys
• Harvestella
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat
• Alan Wake: Remastered
• Saints Row IV: Re-Elected

Nintendo promises to actively work and improve these games’ compatibility until the Switch 2’s release in early June. The only exception is the VR Labo kit, which won’t work at all.

2. Does the Switch 2 run Switch 1 games better?

Nintendo has not guaranteed universal performance or graphic updates for Switch games on the Switch 2. Instead, players can expect the developers and publishers to release patches to enhance their own games.

However, Nintendo has outlined two upgrade strategies for first-party games:

Free Updates

• Select titles will receive free updates to improve playability on the Switch 2.
• These updates may include performance improvements, support for Switch 2 features like GameShare, and other enhancements.
• These upgrades have been announced for the 12 games previously mentioned in the list of compatible games.

Paid Upgrades

• Nintendo will also offer paid “upgrade packs” for certain games, which will be bundled with the base game as a “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.”
• Specific upgrades vary by game, and include improved performance, faster load times, HDR, new content, and support for additional features like mouse controls and the Zelda Notes service.
• These upgrades have been announced for the six games previously mentioned in the list of compatible games.

3. Switch 2 Storage and Accessory Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts 256 GB of onboard storage, expandable only with microSD Express cards.

While you can insert a microSD card from the original Switch into the Switch 2, its functionality will be limited to viewing saved screenshots and videos.

The Switch 2 is compatible with most Switch accessories, including the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller. However, the original Switch dock is not compatible with the Switch 2.

• Original Switch Joy-Cons can only be used wirelessly with the Switch 2 but require a separate charger.
• The Switch Pro Controller works wirelessly and can be charged via the Switch 2 dock or USB-C ports.

And with this, you are up-to-date with all the new information on Nintendo’s Switch 2.

You can watch the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2, streamed live on April 2nd, 2025, here.