Most Switch 1 games will play on Switch 2, but not all of them
Nintendo Switch 2 plays the vast majority of original Switch games. The company has confirmed backward compatibility with Switch 1 cartridges, meaning you can insert your existing game cards into Switch 2 and play them. However, a small number of games will not work — mainly titles that relied on specific Switch 1 hardware features like detachable Joy-Con controllers or the kickstand in ways that Switch 2 cannot replicate.
The games that do work will play exactly as they did on Switch 1. You do not need to repurchase them, and your save files transfer over if you move your account to the new console. The real limitation is not compatibility but rather which specific games have issues, and Nintendo has not published a complete list of incompatible titles.
Key Takeaways
- Switch 2 plays Switch 1 game cartridges directly — you can use your existing physical games without buying them again.
- A small number of games will not work on Switch 2, mostly titles that required detaching Joy-Con controllers or used the original kickstand as a core mechanic.
- Save files and game progress transfer to Switch 2 when you move your Nintendo account, so you can pick up where you left off.
- Digital games you purchased on Switch 1 may require redownloading on Switch 2, depending on your account setup.
- Nintendo has not released a full list of incompatible games, so checking the game's official page or contacting Nintendo support is the most reliable way to confirm before purchasing Switch 2.
Which Switch 1 games definitely will not work
Games that use detachable Joy-Con controls as a core part of gameplay are the primary category that will not work on Switch 2. This includes titles like 1-2-Switch, which is built entirely around removing the controllers and using them as separate motion-control devices. Ring Fit Adventure also falls into this category because it requires the Ring-Con accessory and the leg strap, both of which are designed for the original Joy-Con system.
Games that relied on the original Switch kickstand as a necessary feature may also have problems. Some titles used the kickstand to prop up the console in specific ways during gameplay, and Switch 2's different physical design means those exact interactions may not work. Nintendo has not confirmed which games fall into this group, so you will need to check individual game pages or contact Nintendo support if you own a title that heavily featured the kickstand.
A very small number of games may have other hardware-specific issues, but Nintendo has stated these will be rare. The company tested thousands of Switch 1 games during development and confirmed that the overwhelming majority run without problems.
How to check if your games will work before buying Switch 2
The safest approach is to look up each game you own on Nintendo's official website or the game's publisher page. Search for the game title plus "Switch 2 compatibility" — Nintendo has been adding compatibility information to game pages as Switch 2 approaches release. If a game has known issues, that information will appear on the official listing.
If you cannot find information online, contact Nintendo Support directly through their website. You can describe the games you own, and they can tell you whether each one will work. This takes longer than a quick search but gives you a definitive answer for games where information is unclear.
For games you do not yet own, check the compatibility status before purchasing. If you are thinking about buying a Switch 1 game specifically to play on Switch 2, verify it works first — there is no reason to spend money on a title that will not run on your new console.
How your game saves and accounts transfer to Switch 2
Your Nintendo account moves directly to Switch 2, and most game saves come with it. When you sign into your account on the new console, games you have played will show your progress automatically. This works for games stored in the cloud, which is the default for most Switch 1 titles.
Physical game cartridges also carry their save data. When you insert a Switch 1 cartridge into Switch 2 and play it, the console reads the save file stored on the cartridge itself. You do not need to do anything special — just insert the game and your progress appears.
The one exception is games that store saves only locally on the Switch 1 console itself, without cloud backup. If you did not enable cloud saves for a particular game, that save data stays on your Switch 1. You can still play the cartridge on Switch 2, but you will start from the beginning. To avoid this, enable cloud saves on your Switch 1 before moving to Switch 2.
Digital games you bought on Switch 1
Games you purchased digitally through the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo account, not to your Switch 1 console. When you sign into that same account on Switch 2, you can redownload those games. You do not buy them again — the eShop recognizes that you own them and lets you install them on the new console.
However, you will need to download them. They do not automatically appear on Switch 2 just because you own them. Go to the eShop on Switch 2, find each game in your library, and select download. The process is the same as downloading any game on Switch 1.
If you have a lot of digital games, this can take time depending on your internet speed. Physical cartridges are ready to play immediately, which is one practical advantage of owning games on cartridge rather than digitally.
Games that work but might feel different on Switch 2
Some games will run on Switch 2 but may have minor differences from how they played on Switch 1. This is not because they are incompatible — it is because Switch 2 has different hardware. Games might load slightly faster, display at a different resolution, or have slightly different performance in demanding scenes.
These differences are usually small and do not affect whether you can play the game. A game that ran at 30 frames per second on Switch 1 might run at 60 frames per second on Switch 2, which is actually an improvement. The gameplay remains the same, and your saves work without modification.
Nintendo has stated that the vast majority of Switch 1 games will run identically to how they did on the original console. Performance improvements are a bonus, not a problem.
What to do if a game you want does not work on Switch 2
If you own a Switch 1 game that will not work on Switch 2, you can keep playing it on your original Switch 1 console. The Switch 1 is not going anywhere — Nintendo will continue to support it, and your games will keep working on that hardware.
Some publishers may release updated versions of incompatible games designed specifically for Switch 2, but this is not may provide. Check the publisher's website or social media to see if they have announced a Switch 2 version. If they have, you may need to purchase it separately, though some publishers offer discounts to people who already own the Switch 1 version.
For games like Ring Fit Adventure that require specific accessories, you would need to purchase the Switch 2 version of the accessory if the publisher releases one. Again, this is not confirmed for all titles, so check before assuming you will need to buy new equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my Switch 1 game cartridges on Switch 2 right away?
Yes. Insert the cartridge into Switch 2 and it will play immediately, just like on Switch 1. Your save file loads automatically if it was stored on the cartridge or in the cloud. No setup or conversion is needed.
Do I lose my game progress if I move to Switch 2?
No, as long as you enabled cloud saves on Switch 1 or your save is stored on the cartridge itself. When you sign into your account on Switch 2, your progress appears automatically. If you did not enable cloud saves for a specific game and it only stored saves locally, you will start over with that title.
Will my digital games from the eShop work on Switch 2?
Yes, but you need to redownload them. Your Nintendo account owns the games, so they appear in your library on Switch 2. Select each one and download it — you do not pay again. The process takes time depending on your internet speed and how many games you own.
What happens to my Joy-Con controllers when I get Switch 2?
Your Switch 1 Joy-Con controllers will not work with Switch 2. Switch 2 uses new controllers designed for the new console. You can keep your Switch 1 controllers and use them on Switch 1, but you will need to purchase Switch 2 controllers separately to play on the new console.
Is there a full list of games that do not work on Switch 2?
Nintendo has not released a complete list. The company has confirmed that most games work and that incompatible titles are rare, but you need to check individual games on Nintendo's website or contact support to know for certain. As more people get Switch 2, players will discover any remaining issues and share them online.