Most Nintendo Switch games will work on Nintendo Switch 2, but not all of them
Nintendo has confirmed that the vast majority of Nintendo Switch games will play on Nintendo Switch 2. However, a small number of games will not work because they rely on hardware features that the new console does not have — specifically the original Switch's detachable controllers and their built-in motion sensors. Nintendo has not released a complete list of incompatible games, but the company has stated that fewer than 100 games out of the Switch's library of over 2,000 titles are affected.
If you own physical game cartridges, they will play on Nintendo Switch 2 just as they do on the original Switch. If you own digital games through the Nintendo eShop, your games are tied to your Nintendo Account, and you can read them again on the new console once you transfer your account. You will not lose access to games you have already purchased.
Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo Switch 2 plays nearly all existing Switch games, including physical cartridges and digital purchases linked to your Nintendo Account.
- Fewer than 100 games will not work on Switch 2 because they require detachable Joy-Con controllers or their motion-sensing features in ways the new hardware cannot support.
- Nintendo has not published a definitive list of incompatible games, so you may need to check the game's official page or contact Nintendo support if you own a title you are unsure about.
- Your game library transfers to Switch 2 when you move your Nintendo Account to the new console, so you can read digital games you already own.
How to transfer your games to Nintendo Switch 2
When you set up your Nintendo Switch 2, you will be asked to sign in with your Nintendo Account. This is the same account you use on your current Switch. Once you sign in, all digital games you purchased through that account become available to read on the new console. You do not need to buy them again.
For physical cartridges, straightforward insert the game into the Switch 2's cartridge slot. The console will recognize the game and let you play it when ready. There is no transfer process needed for physical games — they work the same way they do on your current Switch.
If you have save data on your current Switch that you want to move to Switch 2, Nintendo provides a transfer tool that moves your saves, settings, and user profiles to the new console. You can start this process during initial setup or do it later through the System Settings menu on either console.
Games that will not work on Nintendo Switch 2
The games that do not work on Switch 2 are those that depend on features unique to the original Switch's Joy-Con controllers. The Switch 2's controllers are built into the console and cannot be removed the way the original Switch's Joy-Cons detach. This means games that require you to physically separate the controllers or use them in specific ways may not function properly.
Some games that rely heavily on motion controls — where you tilt or shake the controller to control the game — may also have issues. The Switch 2's controllers have motion sensors, but they work differently than the original Joy-Cons, so games designed specifically for the original hardware may not respond the way they were intended.
Nintendo has mentioned that games like 1-2-Switch, which is built around detaching and using individual Joy-Cons, will not work on Switch 2. However, the company has not released a full list. If you own a game you are concerned about, check the game's official product page on Nintendo's website or contact Nintendo support with the game's title.
How to check if a specific game works on Switch 2
The most reliable way to find out whether a game you own will work on Switch 2 is to visit the game's official page on the Nintendo eShop or Nintendo's website. Some game pages now include a note about Switch 2 compatibility. If the page does not mention it, the game almost certainly works on the new console.
You can also contact Nintendo support directly through their website. Have the game's title ready, and a support representative can tell you whether that specific game is compatible. Nintendo's support chat is usually faster than phone support for this type of question.
If you are buying a physical game secondhand and want to know about compatibility before you purchase, check online gaming forums or the game's community pages. Other players who have tested the game on Switch 2 often post their results there.
What happens to your game saves when you move to Switch 2
Your game saves are stored in two places: on your console's internal storage and, for many games, in Nintendo's cloud backup system. When you transfer your account to Switch 2, your saves transfer with it. You can pick up where you left off in most games without losing progress.
Some older games do not support cloud backup, so their saves are only stored on your original Switch's internal storage. For these games, you will need to use Nintendo's built-in transfer tool to move the saves to Switch 2. The transfer tool copies your saves from the old console to the new one over a wireless connection.
If you want to keep playing on your original Switch after getting Switch 2, you can keep both consoles active with the same Nintendo Account. Your saves will sync between them, though you should be careful not to play the same game on both consoles at the same time, as this can cause save conflicts.
Digital games versus physical cartridges on Switch 2
Digital games and physical cartridges work the same way on Switch 2 — both play through the console's game software. The main difference is how you access them. Physical cartridges do not require an internet connection to play once they are inserted, while digital games need to be downloaded first and require periodic online verification that you own them.
If you own digital games, you will need to read them again on Switch 2 after you transfer your account. The read size depends on the game — some are under 1 gigabyte, while others are 10 gigabytes or larger. Make sure your Switch 2 has enough storage space, or consider buying a microSD card to expand it.
Physical cartridges take up no storage space on the console itself, but you need to keep the cartridges in good condition and have them with you to play. Digital games are always available on any console where you sign in with your account, but you cannot sell or trade them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my Nintendo Switch game cartridges on Switch 2 right away?
Yes. Insert the cartridge into the Switch 2's cartridge slot, and the game will play when ready. There is no setup or transfer needed for physical games. They work the same way on Switch 2 as they do on the original Switch.
Will I lose my digital games if I buy a Switch 2?
No. Your digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, not to a specific console. When you sign in with your account on Switch 2, you can read all the games you previously purchased. You will not be charged again.
What if I own a game that does not work on Switch 2?
Nintendo has not released a complete list of incompatible games, but the company has stated that fewer than 100 games are affected. If you own a game you are unsure about, check its official product page or contact Nintendo support with the game's title. They can tell you whether it works on the new console.
Do I need to re-read all my digital games on Switch 2?
Yes, you will need to read them again, but you will not need to purchase them again. After you sign in with your Nintendo Account on Switch 2, go to the eShop and select the games you own. They will read to the new console. This can take time depending on your internet speed and the size of the games.
Can I use my old Switch controllers on Switch 2?
Nintendo has not confirmed whether original Switch Joy-Cons will work with Switch 2. The new console's controllers are built-in and cannot be removed. If you want to use additional controllers for multiplayer games, you will likely need to purchase controllers designed for Switch 2. Check Nintendo's official website closer to the console's release for confirmed controller compatibility.