On the Nintendo Switch 2, you can also play old games from the original Switch. MeinMMO explains what you need to know if you want to play old titles, what happens to save games, and if you need specific hardware.
The Nintendo Switch 2 supports old Switch generation games, similar to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This is referred to as backward compatibility.
MeinMMO explains which games are actually functional on the Switch 2 and what else you need to consider if you want to play old games on the new Switch.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Backward compatibility for old games
- Nintendo Switch 2: Games with special hardware
- Nintendo Switch 2: Old save games and online subscription
Nintendo Switch 2: Backward compatibility for old games
Digital or physical: The Switch 2 supports both physical cartridges and digital games from the original Nintendo Switch.
Which games are backward compatible? Most “Switch 1” games, currently over 15,000 titles, including all major releases, run flawlessly on the Switch 2.
Which products do not run on the Switch 2? Currently, according to Nintendo, 6 products from the Switch are NOT backward compatible (Publisher in parentheses):
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit (Nintendo)
- Niconico (Dwango)
- ABEMA (Abema TV)
- Hulu (Hulu)
- Crunchyroll (Crunchyroll)
- InkyPen (InkyPen)
Which games have issues? Currently, about 100 games have compatibility problems. Nintendo has released a list of faulty games. Some games are expected to be fixed by the launch of the Switch 2, while for others, it is unclear whether a bug fix will ever come. However, it is important to note that the games on your old Switch will continue to be fully functional.
Upgrade option for old games: For some games, Nintendo offers a free or paid upgrade to an enhanced Switch 2 version. The improved version benefits more from the better hardware of the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2: Games with special hardware
Do games with their own hardware work? Yes, Nintendo has already confirmed that many old games that rely on specialized hardware or accessories will continue to function on the Switch 2 (via nintendo.com).
For example, you can also play Ring Fit Adventure on the Switch 2, but you will need the Joy-Cons from the Switch 1. Old controllers and Joy-Cons remain functional with the Switch 2.
All games that require old hardware:
- Ring Fit Adventure
- 1-2-Switch
- Everybody 1-2-Switch!
- Game Builder Garage
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- WarioWare: Move It!
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit
Nintendo Switch 2: Old save games and online subscription
Are old save games compatible? Yes! Save data from your games can be transferred from the Switch 1 to the Switch 2 and can thereby be continued. You won’t have to give up your favorite Pokémon save game when you buy a new Switch 2. You can read all important information about data transfer to the Switch 2 directly on Nintendo’s site.
Will my online subscription continue? If you have subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online on the Switch 1, you can also use the subscription on the Switch 2 at no extra charge. Some new features of Nintendo Switch Online can even only be used exclusively on the Switch 2. You can only use the online feature of GameShare with a subscription.
In a few days, the Switch 2 will be released. MeinMMO compiles the most important information before the release in 10 questions for you and explains what you should know just before the release: Nintendo Switch 2: The 10 most important questions and answers about the release
