Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained

The Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible, meaning you'll be able to tuck into your existing game library on the new-gen console. The Switch 2 is just that - a sequel to the beloved console we already have. For that to be true, though, Nintendo had to make sure existing owners would be able to experience their games on the upgraded hardware, and that's exactly what's happening.

However, it's not all plain sailing. As we've seen with the PS5, next-gen upgrades of existing games are going to be a thing, and to really get the "best performance" out of some of your existing Switch library, a $10 upgrade fee is what you'll need to pay for the Switch 2 editions of your favorite games.

It's going to be up to you to decide whether or not paying that extra cash for games you already own is going to be worth it. In some ways, it feels like a way to milk money out of a successful generation while waiting for new heavy-hitting next-gen games to arrive. That's certainly been a point of frustration with PS5 fans since 2020, so it'll be interesting to see how this tactic plays out for Nintendo.

The good news is that you don't have to pay that extra money to play Switch games on Switch 2. Nintendo Switch has a massive back library - there are nearly 12,000 titles for the system at last count. That's a lot of content to take with us onto the Switch 2, which will be more than enough to enjoy while we wait for more upcoming Switch 2 games. Thankfully, all the best Nintendo Switch games will still be playable on your new device, which means the console is launching with a whole wad of titles already under its belt.

Everything we now know about the Nintendo Switch 2's backwards compatibility across physical and digital games is just below, so you can consult your collection before considering where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2.

Digital backwards compatibility

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible for digital titles, first and foremost. If you've been buying your games digitally from the Nintendo eShop, your library will be waiting for you when you log in and setup your new console. That will only get difficult when you run into controller compatibility. We know that all Switch controllers made by Nintendo should work on Switch 2 - barring things like the Joy-Cons, which have different dimensions, and the Ring-Fit controllers, which also rely on a smaller set of tools. However, it's good to know that the eShop will still continue to offer original Switch downloads alongside new generation games - especially if you've amassed a considerable collection in the last few years.

In the Nintendo Direct March 2025 showcase, "Virtual Game Cards" were revealed, with Nintendo confirming it's set to come to the Switch in late April and will also be compatible with the Switch 2 at launch. Described as a new feature that allows you to easily manage your purchased digital games, the virtual game cards allow you to move your digital games across and load them onto a different console, and even let someone else borrow them if they're part of your group family account.

Interestingly, alongside this reveal, the official page for the feature confirmed there will be "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. We heard more about this in subsequent Direct streams, but essentially, these are upgraded ports of existing Switch games that make full use of the hardware. Should these be free if you've already invested in the hardware to run them better and already own the games? Almost definitely, but Nintendo is just joining the fun that Sony has been benefiting from in recent years. Not to mention, so much of the games industry's economy is propped up by remasters and remakes right now - this was bound to happen.

For a full list of the confirmed Switch 2 edition games coming out, peruse the list below:

• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Sid Meier's Civilization VII
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
• Tamagotchi Plaza
• Shadow Labyrinth

Good news though, not all Switch games with next-gen upgrades need to be paid for. There are some smaller updates to existing titles that you can benefit from for free, and these include:

• Arms
• Big Brain Academy Brain Vs Brain
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokemon Violet and Scarlet
• Super Mario 3D World
• Super Mario Odyssey
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Physical backwards compatibility

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be widely compatible with original Nintendo Switch games, but not fully. In a reveal trailer originally published to the Nintendo UK YouTube page back in January, the system was revealed to run physical game carts from the original device. However, some fine print has us pausing.

Some Nintendo Switch games won't be playable on the Switch 2 - likely because they use a piece of technology that isn't present on the new device. Instinctively, this feels like a Nintendo Labo situation - there could be some gyro or IR sensor differences in the new device that won't be able to run more fringe experiences.

But, for the most part, you can freely slot in your Switch game cartridges into the Switch 2 without a worry that they'll work.

Getting set for your Switch 2 arriving? Check out all the best Nintendo Switch accessories and best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market.