Most Switch 1 games will play on Switch 2, but not all of them
Nintendo Switch 2 plays the vast majority of games made for the original Switch. However, some games do not work on the new console, and a small number work differently than they did before. The games that have problems are mostly those that relied on specific hardware features of Switch 1 — like the NFC reader in the Joy-Con controllers or the IR camera — that Switch 2 either removed or changed.
Before you buy Switch 2 or move your game library over, you should check whether the games you play most often are confirmed to work. Nintendo publishes a list of incompatible games, and it grows as developers test their titles. The list is not long, but it includes some popular games, so it is worth a few minutes to verify.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays nearly all Switch 1 games, including physical cartridges and digital downloads, but some games are not compatible.
- Games that relied on NFC (the amiibo reader), IR camera, or specific motion controls may not work or may work differently on Switch 2.
- Nintendo maintains an official list of incompatible games on its website, and you should check it before assuming your games will work.
- Physical game cartridges work the same way on Switch 2 as they do on Switch 1 — you insert them and play.
- Digital games you own on your Switch 1 account transfer to Switch 2 when you link the same Nintendo Account.
How to check if your games work on Switch 2
Nintendo publishes an official list of games that do not work on Switch 2. You can find this list on Nintendo's support website by searching for "Switch 2 compatible games" or "games that do not work on Switch 2." The list is organized by game title and includes the reason why each game does not work — usually because it needs a feature Switch 2 does not have.
The fastest way to check a specific game is to search the game's name plus "Switch 2 compatible" in a search engine. If the game is on Nintendo's incompatibility list, that information will appear in the results. If you cannot find anything saying the game does not work, it almost certainly does.
If you own a physical cartridge, you can also just try inserting it into Switch 2. The console will tell you immediately whether the game is compatible. If it is not, you will see an error message before the game launches.
Games that do not work because of removed hardware
Switch 2 removed or changed several hardware features that some Switch 1 games depended on. The most common issue is the NFC reader, which was built into the Joy-Con controllers on Switch 1. This reader let games interact with amiibo figures — collectible figurines that unlock content in games. Switch 2 does not have this built-in reader, so games that require amiibo to function do not work on the new console.
Switch 1 also had an IR (infrared) camera in the right Joy-Con that some games used for motion controls or pointing. Switch 2 removed this camera. Games that relied on it — such as certain motion-control heavy titles — may not work or may work only partially on Switch 2.
A smaller number of games used the kickstand or specific vibration patterns in ways that do not translate to Switch 2's hardware. These are rare, but they do exist. Again, Nintendo's official list will tell you which games fall into this category.
What happens to your digital games when you move to Switch 2
Digital games you own on Switch 1 do not automatically appear on Switch 2. Instead, you link your Nintendo Account to Switch 2, and then you can download any game you own to the new console. Your save files do not transfer automatically either — you have to transfer them separately using Nintendo's save transfer tool, which is built into the Switch 2 system settings.
If you have multiple Nintendo Accounts on your Switch 1, each account's games are tied to that account. When you set up Switch 2, you can link multiple accounts to it, and each person can download the games their account owns. This is the same way it worked on Switch 1.
Physical game cartridges work on Switch 2 the same way they work on Switch 1 — you insert the cartridge and play. You do not need to download anything or link an account to play a physical game. However, if a game is on Nintendo's incompatibility list, the cartridge will not work even though it is physically compatible with the console's cartridge slot.
Games with partial compatibility or changed features
A handful of games work on Switch 2 but with reduced features compared to Switch 1. For example, a game that used amiibo on Switch 1 might still play on Switch 2, but the amiibo features will not work. The game itself is playable, but you lose some content or functionality.
Some games that used motion controls heavily may work on Switch 2 but play differently because the hardware changed. In rare cases, developers have released patches to make their games work better on Switch 2, so a game that had problems at launch might work better now. Checking Nintendo's list and recent news about the game you want to play will tell you whether this applies to you.
What to do if a game you want does not work on Switch 2
If one of your favorite games is on the incompatibility list, you have a few options. The first is to keep your Switch 1 and use it for that game. Switch 1 consoles are still available used, and if you already own one, you can hold onto it alongside Switch 2.
The second option is to wait and see whether the developer releases a patch. Some developers have updated their games to work on Switch 2 after launch, especially if the game was popular. This is not may provide, but it happens.
The third option is to look for an alternative game that does the same thing. For example, if an amiibo-dependent game does not work, you might find a different game in the same genre that does not rely on amiibo. This is not always possible, but it is worth checking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my physical Switch 1 games on Switch 2?
Yes, physical game cartridges work on Switch 2 the same way they work on Switch 1. You insert the cartridge and play. However, a small number of games are not compatible with Switch 2, so check Nintendo's official list before assuming your cartridge will work.
Do my digital games transfer to Switch 2 automatically?
No. You must link your Nintendo Account to Switch 2 and then download the games you own. Save files do not transfer automatically either — you use the built-in save transfer tool in Switch 2's settings to move them over.
What games do not work on Switch 2?
Games that relied on the NFC amiibo reader, the IR camera, or specific motion controls are the most common incompatible titles. Nintendo publishes the complete list on its support website. The list is relatively short, but it includes some popular games, so check it before you buy Switch 2.
If a game does not work on Switch 2, will it ever be fixed?
Some developers have released patches to make their games work on Switch 2 after launch. However, this is not may provide, especially for older games or games from smaller studios. Check recent news about the specific game to see whether an update is planned.
Can I use my Switch 1 amiibo on Switch 2?
Switch 2 does not have a built-in NFC reader, so you cannot use amiibo directly with the console. However, Nintendo sells a separate NFC reader accessory that works with Switch 2, though not all games support it. Check the game's requirements before buying the accessory.