The Switch 2 will not play physical Switch game cards, but it will play most Switch games you buy digitally
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will not have backwards compatibility with physical game cartridges. If you own Switch games on cartridge, they will not work in the new console. However, the Switch 2 will play most games you own through the Nintendo eShop — the digital store where you buy and download games directly to your console.
The reason for the cartridge incompatibility is hardware: the Switch 2 uses a different physical cartridge slot that is not shaped to accept original Switch cartridges. Nintendo designed the new cartridge format to support the Switch 2's more powerful processor and larger storage capacity.
Digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, not to a physical object. When you log into your Nintendo Account on the Switch 2, you will see your library of purchased games and can download them to play. This is the same way digital games work when you switch between a handheld Switch and a docked Switch today.
Key Takeaways
- Physical Switch game cartridges will not work in the Switch 2 because the cartridge slot is physically different.
- Digital games you purchased on the Nintendo eShop will work on the Switch 2 if you log in with the same Nintendo Account.
- Not every Switch game will be compatible with the Switch 2 — Nintendo has said "most" games will work, meaning some will not.
- You can keep your original Switch and continue playing your cartridge games on that console even after you buy a Switch 2.
What happens to your digital game library when you move to Switch 2
Your digital games are stored in your Nintendo Account, not on the console itself. When you sign into your Nintendo Account on the Switch 2, your entire library of purchased games appears in your account. You can then download any of those games to the Switch 2's storage or to an SD card.
This process is the same as if you bought a new Switch today and wanted to move your games over. You do not need to repurchase anything. The games you own remain yours as long as your Nintendo Account exists and you can log in.
If you have games installed on your current Switch, you do not need to do anything before switching consoles. Your games stay on your current Switch. Once you set up the Switch 2, you simply download the games you want to play on the new console.
Which Switch games will not work on the Switch 2
Nintendo has stated that "most" Switch games will be compatible with the Switch 2, but has not released a complete list of games that will not work. This means some games will be incompatible, though the company has not yet said which ones or how many.
Incompatibility typically happens when a game relies on specific hardware features of the original Switch that the Switch 2 does not have, or when the game's code was written in a way that does not translate to the new processor. Nintendo may release patches for some games to make them work on the Switch 2, similar to how game updates work today.
The best way to find out whether a specific game will work is to check the Nintendo eShop listing for that game once the Switch 2 launches. Nintendo will likely add a compatibility note to each game's page. Until then, you can assume most games you own will work, but a small number may not.
Physical cartridges: keeping them or selling them
If you own Switch games on cartridge, you have a few options. You can keep your original Switch and continue playing those cartridges on that console indefinitely. Nintendo has not announced any plans to discontinue support for the original Switch, so your current console will continue to work.
You can also sell your physical cartridges if you no longer want them. Used Switch games have resale value on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local game stores. The resale value depends on the game's age and popularity, but many cartridges sell for $20 to $40.
If you want to play those games on the Switch 2, your only option is to repurchase them digitally through the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo does not offer a trade-in program that converts physical cartridges to digital versions.
How to prepare your Nintendo Account for the Switch 2
Before the Switch 2 launches, make sure your Nintendo Account is active and that you can log in. Visit accounts.nintendo.com and sign in with your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it from that page.
Check that your account has a valid payment method on file if you want to purchase new games on the Switch 2. You can add or update a credit card, debit card, or Nintendo eShop gift card through your account settings.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Nintendo Account, make sure you have access to the phone number or email address linked to that account. You will need to verify your identity when you first log into the Switch 2.
Transferring save data from Switch to Switch 2
Nintendo has not yet detailed how save data will transfer from the original Switch to the Switch 2. Historically, Nintendo has allowed players to transfer save data between consoles of the same generation, but the process for moving to a new generation has varied by game.
Some games store save data in the cloud, which means your progress is automatically saved to your Nintendo Account and will appear when you log in on the Switch 2. Other games store save data only on the console itself, which may require a manual transfer process.
When the Switch 2 launches, Nintendo will release detailed instructions for transferring save data. For now, you should assume that cloud-based saves will transfer automatically, but local saves may require additional steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my physical Switch cartridges on the Switch 2?
No. The Switch 2 has a different cartridge slot that is not compatible with original Switch cartridges. You can continue playing physical games on your original Switch console, or you can repurchase those games digitally on the Nintendo eShop to play them on the Switch 2.
Do I have to repurchase my digital games for the Switch 2?
No. Games you purchased digitally through the Nintendo eShop will be available in your account on the Switch 2. Log in with the same Nintendo Account you used on your original Switch, and your game library will appear. You can download any of those games to play on the new console at no additional cost.
What if a game I own is not compatible with the Switch 2?
Nintendo has said most games will work, but some will not. If a game you own is incompatible, you will not be able to play it on the Switch 2. You can continue playing it on your original Switch. Nintendo may release patches for some games to add compatibility, but this is not may provide.
Will my save files transfer to the Switch 2?
Nintendo has not yet released details about save data transfer. Games that use cloud save will likely transfer automatically when you log into your account on the Switch 2. Games that store save data only on the console may require a manual transfer process, which Nintendo will explain when the Switch 2 launches.
Can I use the same Nintendo Account on both my Switch and Switch 2?
Yes. You can log into the same Nintendo Account on multiple consoles. This means you can own both a Switch and a Switch 2 and access your game library on either one. However, you can only play online multiplayer games on one console at a time with the same account.