Most of your Switch games will work on Switch 2, but not all of them
Nintendo has confirmed that the vast majority of Nintendo Switch games will play on Switch 2. However, a small number of games — mostly those that rely on specific hardware features of the original Switch — will not work. Nintendo has not yet released a complete list of incompatible games, so you will need to check individual titles before you assume they will transfer over.
The good news is that your game library itself transfers automatically. You do not need to re-buy games or re-read them from scratch. Your digital purchases stay tied to your Nintendo Account, and physical game cartridges will work in the new console's cartridge slot.
Key Takeaways
- Digital games you own on your Nintendo Account will work on Switch 2 without re-purchasing, as long as you sign in with the same account.
- Physical game cartridges will play on Switch 2, though a small number of games designed for original Switch hardware may not run.
- Games that use the original Switch's detachable Joy-Con controllers in specific ways, or that require the kickstand, may have compatibility issues.
- Nintendo will publish a compatibility list closer to Switch 2's release date, so you can check any games you are unsure about before launch.
How digital games transfer to Switch 2
When you sign into Switch 2 with your Nintendo Account, your digital game library appears automatically in your account. You do not need to re-read or re-purchase anything. The games are tied to your account, not to the original Switch console.
This works the same way it did when the Switch first launched — your account is the container that holds your purchases. As long as you use the same Nintendo Account on Switch 2, you have access to the same games you bought on the original Switch. You can read them to the new console's storage whenever you want to play.
Physical cartridges and backwards compatibility
Switch 2 has a cartridge slot that accepts original Nintendo Switch game cartridges. Nintendo has stated that the cartridge format is backwards compatible, meaning the physical games you own should work in the new console.
However, backwards compatibility is not absolute. A small percentage of games — Nintendo has not specified how many — will not run on Switch 2 because they depend on hardware that only exists in the original Switch. These are edge cases, not the norm. Most physical games will play without any problems.
Games that may not work on Switch 2
The games most likely to have compatibility issues are those that use the original Switch's Joy-Con controllers in ways that Switch 2 may not support in the same way. For example, some games rely heavily on motion controls, HD rumble (the precise vibration feedback in original Joy-Con), or the ability to detach controllers in specific configurations. If Switch 2's controllers work differently, those games might not function as intended.
Games that require the original Switch's kickstand, or that use the console in tabletop mode in a specific way, could also face issues. Some games designed for the Switch's exact screen size or resolution might display differently on Switch 2's larger screen, though this is usually a display issue rather than a game-breaking one.
Nintendo has not yet released a detailed list of incompatible games. The company typically publishes this information closer to a console's launch date. If you own games you are concerned about, you can check Nintendo's official website or the game's publisher page as the Switch 2 release date approaches.
What to do if a game does not work
If you own a physical cartridge that does not work on Switch 2, you still own the cartridge and can play it on an original Switch console if you have access to one. Digital games that are incompatible are rarer, but if you purchase a digital game and later find it does not work on Switch 2, Nintendo's refund policy applies — you can request a refund within a certain window of purchase, though this varies by region.
Before Switch 2 launches, Nintendo will likely provide a way to check individual games for compatibility. This might be a searchable database on their website or a feature in the Switch 2 console itself that warns you before you try to play an incompatible game.
Transferring your save data
Your game save files — the progress you have made in individual games — transfer separately from the games themselves. If you play a game on the original Switch and then want to continue on Switch 2, you can transfer your save data through your Nintendo Account or through a local transfer if both consoles are in the same room.
Not every game supports cloud save backup, so if a game does not have cloud saves enabled, you may need to use the local transfer method. Check the game's settings on your original Switch to see whether cloud saves are turned on. If they are, your progress will be waiting for you on Switch 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy my games again on Switch 2?
No. Digital games stay tied to your Nintendo Account, so you own them on Switch 2 as long as you sign in with the same account. Physical cartridges work in Switch 2's cartridge slot. You do not re-purchase anything.
Will my original Switch games definitely work on Switch 2?
Most will, but not all. Nintendo has confirmed that the vast majority of Switch games are compatible with Switch 2, but a small number designed for specific original Switch hardware features may not work. Nintendo will publish a compatibility list before or shortly after Switch 2 launches.
What happens to my save files when I switch to Switch 2?
Save files transfer through your Nintendo Account if the game supports cloud saves. If it does not, you can transfer saves locally by connecting both consoles. Check your game's settings on the original Switch to see whether cloud saves are enabled.
Can I play my physical Switch games on Switch 2 right away?
Yes, as long as the game is compatible. You can insert a physical cartridge into Switch 2 and play it when ready. If a game is incompatible, you will find out when you try to run it, or you can check Nintendo's compatibility list beforehand.
What if I own a game that does not work on Switch 2?
You can still play it on an original Switch console. If it is a digital game and you want a refund, Nintendo's refund policy allows returns within a certain window of purchase, though the exact terms vary by region and game.