Can You Play Nintendo Switch Games on Switch 2? Compatibility Guide

Learn what games are backwards compatible on your Switch 2

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

Do they work?

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Are all games compatible?

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Switch 2 Games on Switch 1?

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Accessory Compatibility

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A Nintendo Switch 2 is a huge upgrade from the original, but what do you do with all the Switch 1 games you own? Luckily, the majority of games for the first Switch still work on the new one, with some exceptions. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through if cartridges and accessories work between your Nintendo consoles. We’ll even cover what Switch 2 games work on Switch 1!

Switch Games on Switch 2 Explained

Most original Nintendo Switch games are playable on a Nintendo Switch 2. Just insert a game cartridge into the console or download the game wirelessly. However, a small number of games, such as Overwatch 2 and Warframe, have known issues and are currently unavailable to play.

Section 1 of 4:

Do Switch cartridges work on Switch 2?

Yes, you can use most Switch 1 cartridges in a Switch 2. Many of the Nintendo Switch game cartridges are compatible with the Switch 2, unless they’re on the list of incompatible games. To play your Switch 1 game, just open the hatch on top of the console and push the cartridge into the open slot.^{[1]
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- Nintendo has released updates for some Switch 1 games to help improve graphics and performance when you play them on Switch 2.

Section 2 of 4:

Can you play all Switch 1 games on Switch 2?

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Most Switch 1 games are still playable on a Switch 2. The majority of original Switch games are backwards compatible with the Switch 2, but a small number have errors that prevent the game from running properly. Check out Nintendo’s list of incompatible games to see if the game you want to try has a known issue.
- Some notable Switch 1 games that do not currently work on Switch 2 include:
  - Overwatch 2
  - Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy
  - Mortal Kombat 1
  - Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
  - Warframe
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Some Switch 1 games require original Joy-Cons to work. While you can play a lot of your Switch 1 games with the new Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, some of the older games have features only compatible with the original Joy-Cons. Luckily, original Joy-Cons still connect to the Switch 2. The games you need Switch 1 Joy-Cons for include:^{[2]
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- Ring Fit Adventure
- 1-2-Switch
- Everybody 1-2-Switch!
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Game Builder Garage
- Wario Ware: Move It!
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01-03

Section 3 of 4:

Are Switch 2 games playable on a Switch 1?

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Only games marked as cross-platform are compatible with the original Switch. While most things made for the Switch 2 are exclusive to the new console, some updated versions of old games are still playable. If a game box says it includes the Switch version as well as a Switch 2 Upgrade Pack, then the game cartridge will still load on an original Switch console. Some of the games that work include:^{[3]
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- Pokémon Legends Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- Super Mario Party Jamboree (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
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Some Switch 2 games are playable with GameShare. GameShare is a new feature on Switch 2 that allows you to play a game on multiple consoles even if you only have 1 copy. While not all games can be shared to a Switch 1, the most notable ones include:^{[4]
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- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Fast Fusion
- Split Fiction

Section 4 of 4:

Can you use Switch 1 accessories on a Switch 2?

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Joy-Cons: Yes If you want to play Switch 2 games with more players, your old Switch 1 Joy-Cons easily pair with the new console. However, Switch 1 Joy-Cons aren’t able to attach to the console, so you’ll need a separate charger for them.^{[5]
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- To pair your Joy-Cons, go to Controllers from the home menu and select Change Grip and Order. Hold down the Sync button on the tops of your Joy-Cons for 1 second.
  - If you’re using both Joy-Cons, press the L and R buttons to confirm.
  - If you’re using a single Joy-Con, press the SL and SR buttons on top.
Pro Controllers work perfectly with a Switch 2 when you connect them wirelessly or with a USB cord. Plugging the Pro Controller into the Switch 2 Dock also charges the battery.^{[6]
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The Switch 2 has a larger screen and unfortunately doesn’t fit into the older dock. Luckily, the Switch 2 comes with a larger updated dock that you can use to charge the console and connect it to your TV.^{[7]
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microSD cards: Maybe The Switch 2 can only use microSD Express cards because they are able to transfer data more quickly. If you only have a standard microSD or microSDHC card, then you will need to get a microSD Express card.^{[8]
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- microSD Express cards are usually marked with the letters “EX” or “XC”. Remove the microSD from your console and double-check for the marking to see if you need a new one.

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Tips

Nintendo continues to investigate issues with incompatible games and may release updates to make them playable again. Try your game and check the Nintendo site occasionally to see if they’ve fixed the problem.

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