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.
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.
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.
Switch 2 is unlikely to be able to play the following games that require extra peripherals:
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 Spice And Wolf, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. The rest of the game will be playable, however.
Additionally, there are a number of Nintendo Switch games with start-up issues and compatibility issues:
The full list of games with launch issues on Switch 2 is here, with the Switch 2 compatibility issues list here.
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.
This was confirmed in Nintendo’s official Switch 2 hardware compatibility list.
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.
This was confirmed in Nintendo’s official Switch 2 hardware compatibility list.
The Nintendo Switch dock isn’t compatible with the Switch 2.
This was confirmed in Nintendo’s official Switch 2 hardware compatibility list.
No, MicroSD cards will not work with Switch 2. You will need to use a Micro SD Express card to store games and other data.
This was confirmed in Nintendo’s official Switch 2 hardware compatibility list.
Yes, ‘Ring Fit Adventure’ is playable on Switch 2. However, you need to use an original Joy-Con controller when using the Leg Strap or Ring-Con.
This was confirmed in Nintendo’s official Switch 2 hardware compatibility list.
For even more on the Switch 2, be sure to check out our overview of some confirmed games and the full Mario Kart World roster.
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