Switching Things Up: What Still Works with the Nintendo Switch 2? An Analysis of Accessories and Games

Let’s Start With the Good News: Game Compatibility

Nintendo’s taken a hybrid approach to backward compatibility, and while it’s not seamless, it’s surprisingly robust.

The Switch 2 will be backward compatible with most Nintendo Switch games, both physically (cartridges) and digitally (your eShop library). But there’s a twist: the new hardware architecture means it’s not native compatibility in the traditional sense. Instead, Nintendo has built what hardware director Takuhiro Dohta describes as something “between a software emulator and hardware compatibility.” Think of it like a smart translation layer that kicks in as the game data loads, allowing older titles to run smoothly on newer tech.

That means many Switch titles won’t just run—they’ll actually benefit. For example, some games will offer enhanced performance on Switch 2, and others will even get new features like GameChat support.

Nintendo says that of the 122 internally developed games it tested, only one—the Nintendo Labo VR Kit—was incompatible. And that’s not due to software issues, but a simple physical mismatch: the Switch 2 is just too big to fit inside the cardboard headset. Fair enough.

When it comes to third-party games, it’s a little more complicated. As of April 2025:

• About 20% of third-party games had no compatibility issues.
• The rest? Still being tested or requiring updates, with roughly 190 games having known issues.

That’s a small percentage when you consider the Switch’s library now tops 15,000 third-party-developed games, but if you’re a fan of niche indies or specific ports, you’ll want to keep tabs on patch updates.

Some Games Will Get Upgrades—Some for Free, Some Not

Here’s where it gets spicy.

Certain Switch games will have paid upgrade paths or will be included in the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass. These aren’t just performance boosts—they may include new content or features tailored for the Switch 2, for a price.

Some of the known titles getting Switch 2-enhanced versions include:

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Meanwhile, a few fan favorites like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will get free performance updates—meaning faster load times, higher resolutions, or smoother framerates, but no added content.

To make all this more manageable, Nintendo is introducing something called Virtual Game Cards—a feature launching in April 2025. These will allow digital Switch game purchases to be temporarily shared across systems, which is a big deal for households with multiple consoles. You can lend a game for up to two weeks to a friend or family member, or transfer it between your devices without re-buying.

Controllers: Mostly Still Good, With One Big Asterisk

The best news for accessory hoarders? Joy-Con controllers and the Pro Controller are still compatible with the Switch 2—mostly.

You can pair original Joy-Cons wirelessly, and they’ll work with most games. However, you cannot physically attach them to the Switch 2 console itself, so they become stand-alone wireless controllers. That means if you want to charge them, you’ll need a separate charging solution, like a Joy-Con Charging Grip or Charging Stand (Two-Way).

The Pro Controller also works just fine. It connects wirelessly and charges via USB on the Switch 2 dock, just like before.

Accessories: Compatibility Chaos (But Predictably So)

Let’s break it down:

✅ Still Works

• Joy-Con (wirelessly only)
• Pro Controller
• Nintendo Entertainment System Controller
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller
• Nintendo 64 Controller
• SEGA Genesis Control Pad
• GameCube Controller Adapter (TV mode only)

These legacy controllers can pair wirelessly and charge via USB on the new dock. They’ll still work with their respective supported games, like those in the Nintendo Switch Online collection.

❌ Not Compatible

• Nintendo Switch Dock – The new console uses a different form factor and HDMI standard.
• AC Adapter – Can charge Switch 2 directly, but doesn’t support TV mode.
• HDMI Cable – Use the one bundled with Switch 2 for full performance.
• microSD Cards – The new system supports only microSD Express cards. Your old microSDs? Only good for viewing screenshots or videos.
• Joy-Con Grips, Straps, Charging Grip, Charging Stand – These accessories don’t fit Joy-Con 2 and don’t work with Switch 2-specific features.
• Joy-Con Wheel, Ring-Con, Leg Strap – These are not compatible with Joy-Con 2, but you can still use them if you pair original Joy-Cons wirelessly.

So yes, you can still get your sweat on with Ring Fit Adventure—just make sure you’ve got your OG Joy-Con handy.

What’s This Mean for Players?

If you’ve invested heavily in Nintendo’s ecosystem over the past few years, the transition to Switch 2 isn’t going to be as painful as it could’ve been. Nintendo’s clearly trying to ease the upgrade path, even if it’s not perfect.

Here’s a practical breakdown:

• Most games work, and many get better.
• Most controllers work, even if charging setups need adjusting.
• Some accessories are toast, especially anything involving physical attachments to the console.
• Upgrades for old games will vary, from free enhancements to paid expansions.

For developers, that “translation layer” approach means fewer full rebuilds. For players, it means less fragmentation. And for collectors? You might want to hang on to your original Switch—especially for Labo and IR-focused games that won’t be getting updates.

Closing Thought: An Evolution, Not a Breakup

The Switch 2 isn’t a clean slate—it’s a continuation. Nintendo seems committed to maintaining as much backward compatibility as technically feasible, even with its architecture changes. That’s a refreshing shift from previous generational handoffs, where old libraries were often left behind.

It also sets the tone for what could be a modular, iterative future for Nintendo consoles—less like the leap from Wii U to Switch, and more like upgrading your phone while keeping the same apps and accessories (mostly).

If you’re already deep in the Switch ecosystem, the message is clear: don’t throw everything away just yet.

Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility FAQ