Your current Switch controllers will not work on Switch 2
Nintendo has confirmed that Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers made for the original Switch will not connect to Switch 2. The new console uses a different wireless connection standard, so older controllers are physically incompatible. You will need to buy new controllers designed specifically for Switch 2, even if your current ones work perfectly.
This is a significant change from previous Nintendo console generations, where controllers often carried forward. The Switch 2 uses an updated wireless protocol that the original controllers cannot support, making backward compatibility impossible at the hardware level.
Key Takeaways
- Original Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers will not pair with or work on Switch 2 due to incompatible wireless technology.
- You will need to purchase Switch 2-specific controllers, which Nintendo has not yet priced or fully detailed.
- Your existing controllers remain fully functional on the original Switch, so you do not need to replace them if you keep both consoles.
- Third-party controller manufacturers may eventually release Switch 2 compatible options, though these will not be available at launch.
What Nintendo has said about controller compatibility
Nintendo's official statements confirm that Switch 2 controllers are not backward compatible with the original Switch either. This means the new controllers will only work on Switch 2, and the old controllers will only work on the original console. There is no middle ground where both generations of controllers work on both consoles.
The reason for this one-way incompatibility is the wireless technology itself. Switch 2 uses a newer standard that the original hardware cannot receive, and Nintendo did not build Switch 2 to accept the older wireless protocol. This is a deliberate design choice rather than an oversight.
What you need to know about buying new controllers
Nintendo has not yet announced the full lineup of Switch 2 controllers or their prices. Based on the original Switch launch, you can expect Joy-Con pairs and a Pro Controller option, but the exact cost and release timing remain unclear. Nintendo typically releases controller options in the weeks following a console launch rather than all at once.
If you plan to play Switch 2 with multiple people, factor in the cost of additional controllers early. The original Switch Pro Controller cost $70 at launch, and Joy-Con pairs cost $80, but Switch 2 pricing may differ. You will likely want at least one extra controller set if you play multiplayer games.
What happens to your current controllers
Your existing Joy-Cons and Pro Controller will continue to work on your original Switch indefinitely. Nintendo does not disable older hardware when new consoles launch. If you own both consoles, you can keep your current controllers paired to the original Switch and use them there without any issues.
This also means you can sell or give away your original Switch without losing the ability to use those controllers on it — they are tied to the console itself, not to your Nintendo account. If you keep the original Switch for backward compatible games or local multiplayer, your current controllers remain a functional part of that setup.
Third-party controller options for Switch 2
Companies like 8BitDo, PowerA, and others make third-party controllers for the Switch. Some of these manufacturers have already announced plans to make Switch 2 compatible controllers, though they will not be available at launch. Third-party options typically cost less than official Nintendo controllers and sometimes offer additional features like programmable buttons or different grip styles.
However, third-party controllers often have a delay before they become available after a new console launches. If you want to play Switch 2 on day one, you will likely need to buy at least one official Nintendo controller. Third-party options become more viable a few months after launch once manufacturers have had time to develop and test their products.
Planning your controller budget for Switch 2
If you are buying Switch 2 and want to play with others, budget for at least two controller sets beyond what comes in the box. Nintendo typically includes one Joy-Con pair with the console, so a second pair or a Pro Controller gives you two-player capability. A third set lets you play four-player games with three other people.
Spread your purchases across the first few months after launch if budget is tight. You do not need every controller on day one. Start with what comes in the box, add a second set within the first month, and pick up additional controllers as you find games that need them. This approach also gives third-party manufacturers time to release their options, which may save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Switch Pro Controller on Switch 2?
No. The original Switch Pro Controller uses the same wireless technology as Joy-Cons and will not connect to Switch 2. You will need a new controller designed for Switch 2, whether that is an official Nintendo controller or a third-party option.
Will my Joy-Cons stop working on my original Switch?
No. Your Joy-Cons will continue to work on the original Switch exactly as they do now. Buying a new console does not affect the functionality of your existing hardware on the console it was made for.
What controllers come with Switch 2?
Nintendo has not yet detailed the exact contents of the Switch 2 box. Based on the original Switch, you can expect at least one Joy-Con pair to be included, but the full controller bundle has not been officially announced.
Are Switch 2 controllers more expensive than original Switch controllers?
Nintendo has not announced Switch 2 controller prices yet. The original Switch Pro Controller cost $70 and Joy-Con pairs cost $80, but Switch 2 pricing could be different. Wait for official announcements before budgeting.
Can I use a keyboard and mouse on Switch 2 instead of a controller?
Some games support keyboard and mouse input on the original Switch, and Switch 2 will likely continue this support for compatible titles. However, most games require a controller. Check the specific game's requirements before assuming keyboard and mouse will work.