Most 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 will not work, either because they rely on hardware features the original Switch has that Switch 2 does not, or because the game's code was written in a way that conflicts with Switch 2's processor. Nintendo has not published a complete list of incompatible games, so you will need to check individual titles before you buy or upgrade.
The games most likely to have problems are those that use the Switch's motion controls heavily, access the infrared sensor, or depend on specific performance characteristics of the original processor. Games that use standard buttons and the joysticks should work without issue.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo confirmed that the vast majority of Switch games run on Switch 2, but some games will not work due to hardware or software incompatibility.
- Games relying on motion controls, the infrared sensor, or specific processor behavior are the most likely to have problems.
- Nintendo has not released a complete list of incompatible games, so you should check the Switch 2 compatibility database or the game's official page before purchasing.
- Games you own digitally will not automatically transfer to Switch 2 — you will need to re-download them or check Nintendo's migration process when the console launches.
- Physical game cartridges work the same way on Switch 2 as they do on the original Switch, so your existing library of discs will play without modification.
Which games are most likely to have compatibility problems
Games that depend on the Switch's motion controls — the Joy-Con controllers' ability to detect movement and rotation — are at highest risk. This includes titles like Ring Fit Adventure, which uses motion to track your exercise, and 1-2-Switch, which is built almost entirely around motion gameplay. Nintendo has not confirmed whether these games will work on Switch 2, and the company has not announced whether Switch 2 will have the same motion-sensing hardware.
Games that use the Switch's infrared sensor, a feature built into the right Joy-Con, may also have problems. Very few games use this feature — Nintendo Land and some party games are among the few titles that do — but if a game relies on it, the game will not work unless Switch 2 includes the same sensor.
A smaller group of games may have compatibility issues because they were programmed to work specifically with the Switch's processor and may not run correctly on Switch 2's faster chip. Nintendo has not named these games publicly, but the company has said that some games may require patches from their developers to run properly.
How to check if a specific game works on Switch 2
Nintendo will maintain an official compatibility database on its website once Switch 2 launches. This database will list every game that has been tested and whether it works, works with issues, or does not work at all. You can search by game title to find the status of any game in your library.
Before that database is live, you can check the game's official page on the Nintendo eShop or the publisher's website. Publishers have begun announcing compatibility for their own games, and some have already stated that their titles will work on Switch 2 without any changes.
If you are considering buying a game specifically for Switch 2, wait until the official compatibility list is available rather than assuming it will work. This is especially important for games that rely on motion controls or other specialized hardware features.
What happens to your digital games when you switch consoles
Games you purchased digitally on the Switch eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account, not to your console. When you log into your Nintendo Account on Switch 2, you will be able to re-download any game you own. However, the games will not automatically transfer — you will need to download them again, which can take time depending on the file size and your internet speed.
Your save files are stored separately from your games. Nintendo has not yet confirmed how save data will transfer to Switch 2, but historically the company has allowed players to move saves between consoles using cloud backup or local transfer. You should check Nintendo's official migration guide when Switch 2 launches to understand the exact process.
If you own physical game cartridges, they will work on Switch 2 just as they work on the original Switch — you simply insert the cartridge and play. There is no transfer process needed for physical games.
Games that definitely will not work on Switch 2
Nintendo has not officially confirmed any games that will definitely not work on Switch 2. However, based on the hardware differences and what Nintendo has said, Ring Fit Adventure is widely expected to have problems because it relies entirely on motion controls and the ring accessory that comes with it. The company has not confirmed this, so it is possible Nintendo will release a patch or a new version.
Games that use the infrared sensor, such as certain party games and Nintendo Land, are also at risk. Again, Nintendo has not confirmed these will not work, but the company has not announced that Switch 2 will include the infrared sensor either.
The safest approach is to assume that any game you own will work unless Nintendo's official compatibility database says otherwise. Do not assume a game will not work based on speculation or rumors.
What to do if a game you want does not work on Switch 2
If a game is incompatible with Switch 2, your options depend on whether you own it digitally or physically. If you own a physical cartridge, you can continue playing it on your original Switch console — the original Switch will not stop working when Switch 2 launches. You can keep both consoles and play your incompatible games on the older hardware.
If you own a digital copy of an incompatible game, you will not be able to play it on Switch 2. You can still play it on your original Switch. Some publishers may release updated versions of their games for Switch 2, but Nintendo has not confirmed whether this will happen for any specific titles.
Before you buy a game you plan to play on Switch 2, check the compatibility database. If the game is listed as incompatible and you do not plan to keep your original Switch, you may want to choose a different game instead.
When the official compatibility list will be available
Nintendo has not announced an exact date for the compatibility database to go live. Historically, Nintendo releases detailed information about console compatibility closer to launch. You can expect the official list to be available sometime around the time Switch 2 launches or shortly after, but Nintendo may also release it a few weeks before launch to help people make purchasing decisions.
In the meantime, you can check individual game publishers' websites and social media accounts for announcements about their games' compatibility. Major publishers like The Pokémon Company, Bandai Namco, and others have begun confirming that their games will work on Switch 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my physical Switch game cartridges work on Switch 2?
Yes. Physical game cartridges are compatible with Switch 2 the same way they are compatible with the original Switch. You insert the cartridge into the console and play. There is no modification or transfer process needed.
Do I need to buy my games again for Switch 2?
No. Games you own digitally through your Nintendo Account can be re-downloaded on Switch 2 at no cost. You will not be charged again. Physical cartridges work on both consoles without any purchase or transfer.
What happens to my save files when I move to Switch 2?
Nintendo has not yet confirmed the exact process for transferring save data to Switch 2. Historically, the company has allowed cloud backup or local transfer between consoles. Check Nintendo's official migration guide when Switch 2 launches for the specific steps.
Can I play Ring Fit Adventure on Switch 2?
Nintendo has not confirmed whether Ring Fit Adventure will work on Switch 2. Because the game relies entirely on motion controls, it may have compatibility issues if Switch 2 does not include the same motion-sensing hardware. Wait for the official compatibility database before assuming it will or will not work.
What if a game I own is not compatible with Switch 2?
If you own a physical cartridge, you can continue playing it on your original Switch console. If you own a digital copy, you can only play it on the original Switch. You can keep both consoles to play your full library, or you can choose to sell or trade in incompatible games.