Nintendo's official word: most controllers will work, but not all

Nintendo confirmed that most existing Switch controllers will work with Switch 2, but the company has not released a complete compatibility list yet. The Joy-Con controllers from your current Switch will work. The Pro Controller will work. However, some third-party controllers and older accessories may not be compatible, and Nintendo has not specified which ones.

The safest assumption right now is that if you own official Nintendo controllers — the standard Joy-Con pair, the Pro Controller, or the Switch Lite controllers — you can use them on Switch 2. If you own third-party controllers made by companies like 8BitDo, PowerA, or Hori, you will need to check with that manufacturer or wait for Nintendo to publish a full compatibility list closer to the Switch 2 launch date.

Key Takeaways

  • Official Nintendo Joy-Con and Pro Controller models will work on Switch 2, according to Nintendo's statements.
  • Third-party controllers from brands like 8BitDo and PowerA may not work, and you should check the manufacturer's website for confirmation.
  • Nintendo has not yet published a complete list of which controllers are and are not compatible.
  • If you plan to use existing controllers on Switch 2, buy or test them before the console launches if possible.

Why some controllers might not work on Switch 2

Switch 2 uses a different wireless connection method than the original Switch. The original Switch uses Bluetooth with a proprietary protocol that Nintendo built on top of it. Switch 2 may use a different version of that protocol, or a different connection method entirely. When hardware changes like this happen, older controllers sometimes cannot communicate with the new console.

Third-party controller makers build their products to work with the original Switch's connection method. If Switch 2 changes that method significantly, those controllers will not automatically work. Some manufacturers may release firmware updates or new versions of their controllers to support Switch 2, but that is not may provide.

Official Nintendo controllers and backward compatibility

Nintendo has stated that Joy-Con controllers and the Pro Controller will work on Switch 2. This is a strong signal that Nintendo designed Switch 2's wireless system to be backward compatible with its own controllers. However, Nintendo has not explained whether this means the controllers will work exactly as they do now, or whether some features might be limited.

If you own multiple sets of Joy-Con or a Pro Controller, you should be able to use them on Switch 2 without buying new ones. You may need to re-pair them to the new console, similar to how you would pair a controller to a new Switch today.

Third-party controllers: what you should do now

If you use a third-party controller — such as a PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, an 8BitDo Pro 2, or a Hori Split Pad Pro — do not assume it will work on Switch 2. Check the manufacturer's website or contact their support team to ask about Switch 2 compatibility. Some manufacturers may have already posted information about this.

If the manufacturer has not posted anything yet, wait until closer to the Switch 2 launch date. Many third-party makers will test their products on Switch 2 and announce compatibility or release updates in the weeks before or after the console ships. If a controller you rely on is not compatible, the manufacturer may release a new version designed for Switch 2, or you may need to switch to an official Nintendo controller.

What to do if you want to be ready on day one

If you want to use controllers on Switch 2 immediately after you get it, stick with official Nintendo controllers. A Pro Controller or a set of Joy-Con will definitely work. If you prefer third-party controllers, contact the manufacturer now to ask about Switch 2 support, or plan to buy an official controller as a backup until compatibility is confirmed.

You can also wait a few weeks after Switch 2 launches. By then, third-party manufacturers will have tested their products and posted clear information about what works and what does not. If you are not in a rush to play on day one, this is the safer path — you will have complete information before you spend money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Joy-Con controllers from the original Switch work on Switch 2?

Yes, Nintendo has confirmed that Joy-Con controllers will work on Switch 2. You should be able to use the same controllers you use now on the new console, though you will likely need to re-pair them.

What about the Pro Controller?

The Pro Controller will also work on Switch 2, according to Nintendo. If you own one, you can use it on the new console.

Will my 8BitDo or PowerA controller work on Switch 2?

Nintendo has not confirmed compatibility for third-party controllers. Contact the manufacturer directly or check their website for Switch 2 support information. Some may release updates or new versions for the new console.

Can I use Switch Lite controllers on Switch 2?

Nintendo has not specifically addressed Switch Lite controller compatibility. Since Switch Lite controllers are official Nintendo hardware, they may work, but this has not been confirmed. Check Nintendo's official site or contact support closer to launch for a definitive answer.

Should I buy new controllers before Switch 2 comes out?

If you own official Nintendo controllers, you do not need to buy new ones. If you use third-party controllers and want to be certain they work on day one, contact the manufacturer first or plan to buy an official controller as a backup.