Nintendo just revealed which Switch games are compatible on the Nintendo Switch 2! Read on to learn more about what they announced.
Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility List Revealed
Games Fully Compatible with the Switch 2
Nintendo has officially unveiled the backward compatibility details for its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5, 2025. The new system promises to support a vast majority of original Switch titles, but there are some notable exceptions and specific requirements for certain games.
The good news for gamers is that most original Switch games will run seamlessly on the Switch 2. Titles such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are confirmed to be fully compatible with the new console.
Games That Require the Original Joy-Con Controllers
Some games, though, rely heavily on the unique features of the original Joy-Con controllers. For these titles, players will need to use their existing Joy-Cons to experience the games as intended. These titles are:
⚫︎ Ring Fit Adventure, as the "Joy-Con 2 can’t be attached to the Ring-Con accessory."
⚫︎ 1-2-Switch, as the "Joy-Con 2 controllers don’t include an IR Motion Camera."
⚫︎ Everybody 1-2-Switch, as "the volume of the Joy-Con 2 controllers’ force feedback vibrations has been reduced."
⚫︎ Game Builder Garage, as the "Joy-Con 2 controllers don’t include an IR Motion Camera."
⚫︎ Nintendo Switch Sports, as the "Joy-Con 2 controllers do not fit inside the leg strap accessory."
⚫︎ WarioWare: Move It!, as the "Joy-Con 2 controllers don’t include an IR Motion Camera."
⚫︎ Most games in the Nintendo Labo Series, as the new console and controllers cannot be used in-place of the original Nintendo Switch.
Games With Compatibility Issues
Nintendo has identified specific titles that may encounter issues when played on the Switch 2. They have labeled these as "Games with Start-Up Issues" and "Games With In-Game Issues".
In the former, they note that certain games may experience problems launching on the new system. This includes games like ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist, FINAL FANTASY, Darksiders Genesis, DOOM: Eternal, NBA 2K25, and more. In the latter, some titles might run into glitches or performance hiccups during gameplay. This includes games like Alan Wake Remastered, Alien: Isolation, HARVESTELLA, Stumble Guys, and more.
Fortunately, Nintendo is currently investigating the matter. As per Nintendo, they are "continuing to improve compatibility, including by working with publishing and developing partners."
Games Not Compatible with the Switch 2
Unfortunately, a few games are not compatible with the Switch 2. The most prominent example is the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. According to Nintendo, "The Nintendo Switch 2 console cannot be inserted into the Toy-Con VR Goggles accessory, so this game cannot be played.
On the bright side, several original Switch titles are set to receive enhancements on the Switch 2. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey will benefit from improved visuals and performance. In fact, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV was announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct!
For more on everything announced during the aforementioned presentation, check out our article below!
Source:
Nintendo | Important information about compatibility of Nintendo Switch games with Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo | Games with start up issues on Nintendo Switch 2
