Joy-Cons from the original Switch will not work with Switch 2
Nintendo has confirmed that original Switch Joy-Cons are not compatible with Switch 2. The new console uses a different connection standard and physical design that makes the older controllers incompatible. If you own a Switch and plan to move to Switch 2, you will need to purchase new Joy-Cons designed specifically for the new system.
This is a significant change from how Nintendo handled the Wii U to Switch transition, where some accessories carried over. The Switch 2's controller redesign is intentional — Nintendo rebuilt the connection protocol and the physical rail system that attaches controllers to the console, so old controllers straightforward will not connect or function.
The good news is that Switch 2 will ship with a pair of Joy-Cons included in the box, so you can play when ready without buying additional controllers. However, if you want extra controllers for multiplayer or backup, you will be purchasing new ones.
Key Takeaways
- Original Switch Joy-Cons will not connect to or work with Switch 2 due to a different connection standard and physical design.
- Switch 2 comes with a pair of Joy-Cons in the box, so you do not need to buy controllers when ready.
- New Joy-Cons designed for Switch 2 will cost money, so factor that into your upgrade budget if you want multiple controllers.
- Pro Controllers from the original Switch are also incompatible with Switch 2, so you may need to replace those as well.
What Changed Between the Two Systems
The connection method between controller and console is completely different on Switch 2. The original Switch uses a proprietary wireless protocol that the new system no longer supports. Nintendo redesigned the rail system — the physical slot where Joy-Cons attach to the sides of the console — so even if the wireless protocol were the same, the controllers would not fit properly.
The Joy-Con buttons, triggers, and overall shape have also been refined for Switch 2. While the new controllers look similar at a glance, the internal components and the way they communicate with the console are entirely new. This is not a case of backward compatibility being disabled for business reasons — the hardware itself is fundamentally different.
What You Can Do With Your Old Joy-Cons
Your original Switch Joy-Cons will continue to work perfectly with your current Switch console. If you plan to keep both systems, you can use your existing controllers on the original Switch while purchasing new ones for Switch 2. Many households keep their older Nintendo console for its existing game library, so this is a practical option.
You could also sell your original Switch and its controllers together as a bundle, which may recoup some of the cost of Switch 2 and its new controllers. Used Switch consoles with controllers typically sell for a reasonable price on the secondhand market, especially if the system is in good condition.
Pro Controllers and Other Accessories
The Switch Pro Controller — the larger, traditional gamepad — is also incompatible with Switch 2. Like the Joy-Cons, it uses the old wireless protocol and will not connect to the new console. If you relied on a Pro Controller for games like Zelda or Mario Kart, you will need to purchase a Switch 2 Pro Controller instead.
Other accessories like charging docks, screen protectors, and carrying cases may or may not work with Switch 2 depending on the specific design. The console's overall size and shape are different, so a case designed for the original Switch may not fit Switch 2 properly. Check the product description or contact the manufacturer before assuming an accessory will work with the new system.
How Much New Controllers Will Cost
Nintendo has not announced final pricing for Switch 2 Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers, but historical pricing suggests they will be similar to current Switch controller costs. Original Switch Joy-Cons typically cost around $80 for a pair, and Pro Controllers around $70. Switch 2 controllers will likely fall in the same range, though Nintendo may adjust pricing at launch.
If you want a full setup — two pairs of Joy-Cons plus a Pro Controller — you should budget for that cost separately from the console itself. Some retailers may offer bundle deals that include extra controllers with the console purchase, so it is worth checking what is available at launch.
Planning Your Controller Setup for Switch 2
The Switch 2 box includes one pair of Joy-Cons, which is enough to start playing single-player games or local multiplayer with one other person. For households with multiple players or if you want a backup controller, you will need to buy additional Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller.
Consider how you actually play before buying extra controllers. If you mostly play single-player games like Zelda or Metroid, the included Joy-Cons may be all you need. If you play local multiplayer games like Mario Kart or Mario Party regularly, a second pair of Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller makes sense. If you prefer handheld mode, you might want a Pro Controller for docked play and stick with the included Joy-Cons for portable gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Switch Pro Controller on Switch 2?
No. The original Switch Pro Controller uses the same wireless protocol as the Joy-Cons and is not compatible with Switch 2. You will need to purchase a new Pro Controller designed for Switch 2 if you want to use that style of controller.
Will Switch 2 controllers work on my original Switch?
No. The compatibility only goes one direction — old controllers do not work on new systems. Switch 2 controllers are designed exclusively for the new console and will not connect to the original Switch.
Do I have to buy new controllers right away?
No. Switch 2 comes with a pair of Joy-Cons in the box, so you can play when ready without purchasing anything else. You only need to buy additional controllers if you want more than one pair or prefer a Pro Controller.
What should I do with my old Joy-Cons?
You can keep them to use with your original Switch if you plan to hold onto that console. You can also sell them separately or as part of a used Switch bundle to offset the cost of new controllers for Switch 2.
Are there any Switch 2 controllers that work wirelessly without the console?
Nintendo has not announced whether Switch 2 will support wireless controllers that work independently of the console. The Joy-Cons will attach to the sides of the console as they do on the original Switch, but details about standalone wireless play have not been confirmed.