Original Switch cartridges will not work on Switch 2

Switch 1 game cartridges are physically incompatible with Switch 2. The cartridge slot on Switch 2 is a different shape and size than the original Switch. If you try to insert a Switch 1 cartridge into a Switch 2 console, it will not fit, and forcing it could damage both the cartridge and the console.

Nintendo designed Switch 2 with a new cartridge format to support larger games and faster data transfer. This is a deliberate hardware change, not an oversight. The two systems use entirely separate cartridge designs, similar to how Nintendo's previous console generations did not share physical media.

However, this does not mean your existing game library becomes worthless. Nintendo has announced a digital backward compatibility program that will let you play many Switch 1 games on Switch 2 through digital downloads, though the details and full list of compatible titles are still being confirmed.

Key Takeaways

  • Switch 1 cartridges will not physically fit into a Switch 2 console due to a different cartridge slot design.
  • Nintendo plans to offer digital versions of many Switch 1 games for Switch 2, but you will need to purchase or transfer them separately.
  • Physical cartridges from Switch 1 will only play on original Switch hardware, not on Switch 2.
  • If you want to keep playing physical Switch 1 games, you will need to keep your original Switch console.

What Nintendo has said about backward compatibility

Nintendo confirmed that Switch 2 will not play physical Switch 1 cartridges. The company has stated that it is working on a digital backward compatibility program, but the rollout will be gradual. Not every Switch 1 game will be available at launch, and some titles may take months or longer to appear on Switch 2.

The backward compatibility program is digital-only, meaning you cannot insert a physical cartridge and play it. Instead, you would need to own or purchase a digital version of the game through the Nintendo eShop on Switch 2. For some games, Nintendo may offer a way to transfer your digital purchase from Switch 1 to Switch 2 at no additional cost, but this has not been confirmed for all titles.

Why cartridges changed between generations

The original Switch used a proprietary cartridge format that worked well for the console's performance level and storage needs. Switch 2 is more powerful and supports larger, more detailed games. The new cartridge format allows for faster data transfer and higher storage capacity, which means games can load more quickly and include more content without requiring massive downloads.

This kind of hardware change happens with nearly every console generation. PlayStation 5 games do not work on PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X games do not work on Xbox One. Nintendo made the same choice with Switch 2 to take advantage of new technology rather than remain limited by the original cartridge design.

What to do with your physical Switch 1 collection

If you own physical Switch 1 cartridges, you have a few options. You can keep your original Switch console and continue playing those games on it. The original Switch hardware will not disappear or stop working just because Switch 2 exists. Many people keep their older consoles specifically to play physical games they own.

You can also sell your physical cartridges if you no longer want them. Used Switch 1 games have resale value, and many people are actively buying them for original Switch consoles. Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and GameStop accept used cartridges.

If you want to play those games on Switch 2, you would need to purchase digital versions through the Nintendo eShop once they become available. This is an additional cost, though Nintendo has not yet detailed whether existing Switch 1 digital purchases will transfer to Switch 2 for free.

Digital games and account transfers

If you own digital versions of Switch 1 games through the Nintendo eShop, the situation is more complicated and still unclear. Nintendo has not fully explained how digital game libraries will transfer between Switch 1 and Switch 2. Historically, Nintendo has allowed digital purchases to follow your account across different hardware, but the company has not made an official statement about Switch 2 specifically.

Your best approach is to keep your Nintendo account information safe and contact Nintendo Support directly if you have questions about a specific game you own digitally. They can tell you whether that particular title will be available on Switch 2 and whether your purchase will carry over.

Should you buy Switch 1 cartridges now

Whether to buy physical Switch 1 games depends on your plans. If you are buying a Switch 2 and do not plan to keep a Switch 1 console, physical cartridges are not useful to you. You would be better off waiting to see which games appear on Switch 2's digital store and purchasing those instead.

If you are keeping your original Switch or want to build a physical collection for it, buying cartridges makes sense. Physical games do not require internet to play, do not take up storage space on the console, and do not disappear if a digital store closes. Many people prefer physical media for these reasons.

If you already own physical Switch 1 cartridges and are getting a Switch 2, you do not need to throw them away. You can keep them to play on your original Switch, sell them, or store them. They straightforward will not work on the new console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Switch 1 cartridge in a Switch 2 if I use an adapter?

No. The cartridge slot is fundamentally different, and no official adapter exists or will be made by Nintendo. Third-party adapters do not work because the cartridge format itself is incompatible at the hardware level, not just the physical connector.

Will all my digital Switch 1 games work on Switch 2?

Nintendo has not confirmed this yet. The company is working on a backward compatibility program for digital games, but the details are still being finalized. Contact Nintendo Support about specific games you own to learn whether they will be available on Switch 2.

If I buy a Switch 2, do I need to get rid of my Switch 1?

No. Your original Switch will continue to work and play all your physical cartridges. Many people keep both consoles so they can play their full game library across both systems.

Are Switch 2 cartridges backward compatible with Switch 1?

No. Switch 2 cartridges will only work on Switch 2. The original Switch cannot read the new cartridge format.

How much will digital games cost on Switch 2 if I already own them on Switch 1?

Nintendo has not announced pricing or transfer policies yet. Some games may transfer for free if you own them digitally, but others may require a new purchase. Wait for official announcements before making decisions about your digital library.