Switch and Switch 2 compatibility: games, cards and accessories
Which games, game cards, controllers, docks and memory cards work across both consoles.
Switch 2 plays most Switch games, Switch 2 games don't play on the older consoles, and a fair number of accessories don't carry over. This page is the short version, taken from Nintendo's support pages (Malaysia has no local Nintendo support site, so these are the Australian and US pages) and checked on 2 November 2026.
Switch games on Switch 2
Physical and digital Switch games run on Switch 2, with exceptions. Since November 2025 Nintendo has a compatibility checker that sorts each Switch game into one of four results: works the same as on Switch, works with some differences, has problems that can stop you progressing, or doesn't work. Check it before you buy an older game for a Switch 2. For games from other publishers, Nintendo says to ask the publisher.
- Games that use the original Joy-Con's IR camera need a Switch Joy-Con paired to the Switch 2.
- Nintendo Labo VR Kit can't be used: the Switch 2 doesn't fit the goggles.
- Nintendo has fixed some games with updates since launch, so a game listed with problems a year ago may work now.
On Switch Jer, a game made only for Switch is labelled “Switch 2: check compatibility” until we've confirmed it.
Switch 2 games on Switch, OLED and Lite
They don't play. Switch 2 game cards and downloads are for Switch 2 only. If someone in the house still uses a Lite or OLED and you share games, buy the Switch version where one exists: it runs on both.
Four kinds of box on the shelf
| What the box says | What's inside | Plays on |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | The full game on the card | Switch, and most also run on Switch 2 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | The full game on the card | Switch 2 only |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | The Switch game plus an upgrade with Switch 2 extras. Nintendo puts both on the card; other publishers may put the upgrade on a download code | Switch 2. Some of these cards have been reported to run the base game on a Switch, but Nintendo doesn't promise it |
| Game-Key Card | A key, not the game. You download the game, then keep the card in the console to play | Switch 2 |
If the game also has to work on a Switch in the house, the safe buy is the Switch version plus the upgrade pack later, rather than the Switch 2 Edition box.
Upgrade packs and free updates
Already own the Switch version? For some games you can buy an upgrade pack on Nintendo eShop, or as a code from a shop, which turns your copy into the Switch 2 Edition. It works whether your Switch copy is a card or a download.
Other games get a free update instead, usually sharper resolution or a steadier frame rate. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and ARMS are examples. The upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Game pages on Switch Jer say “Switch 2 Edition available”, “free Switch 2 update” or “separate Switch 2 version” when Nintendo or the publisher has confirmed it.
Accessories: what carries over
| Accessory | With Switch 2 |
|---|---|
| Switch Joy-Con | Work wirelessly, but can't attach to the Switch 2. Charge them on a Switch, a charging grip or a licensed charging stand |
| Joy-Con 2 | Don't connect to a Switch, OLED or Lite |
| Switch Pro Controller | Works wirelessly. Charge it from the Switch 2 dock with a USB cable |
| Switch dock | Not compatible. Switch 2 needs its own dock |
| Switch AC adapter | Charges the Switch 2 when plugged straight into it, but can't power the Switch 2 dock for TV play |
| Switch 2 AC adapter | Works with both consoles |
| Joy-Con charging grip | Switch Joy-Con only |
| Ring-Con (Ring Fit Adventure) | Works, with Switch Joy-Con paired (not Joy-Con 2) |
| microSD card | Switch 2 games and save data need a microSD Express card (marked EX). A regular card in a Switch 2 can only show screenshots and videos from a Switch. A microSD Express card also works in an older Switch, at normal speed |
| Cases, screen protectors, grips | Sizes differ; buy ones made for Switch 2 |
Moving to a Switch 2
- System transfer moves your users, save data and downloaded games. You can upload the transfer data from a Switch to Nintendo's server; this resets the Switch, so do it when you're ready to stop using it, and before you sell or trade it in.
- Digital games belong to your Nintendo Account, so you can also download them again on the Switch 2.
- Your Nintendo Switch Online membership carries over.
Related
- Game Finder: games for Switch 2 (Switch games show the compatibility caveat)
- Every Switch model compared
- Is Switch 2 worth upgrading to?
- How to choose a microSD card
Sources
- Nintendo: Can I play Nintendo Switch games on Nintendo Switch 2?
- Nintendo: Switch 2 software compatibility
- Nintendo: Switch and Switch 2 accessory compatibility
- Nintendo: microSD and microSD Express compatibility
- Nintendo: Game-Key Card overview
- Nintendo: Upgrading to a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- VGC: Switch 2 Edition cards and Switch 1 (publisher reports)
- Nintendo Life: Switch 2 Editions, upgrade packs and free updates
- Nintendo Life: Is Switch 2 backwards compatible?
This website participates in affiliate programmes. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
More guides
Switch Lite vs V1 vs V2 vs OLED vs Switch 2
Five consoles, one name. Screen, battery, TV play and storage side by side, plus which one fits who.
Read the guideBuying a used Switch: the complete checklist
What to ask the seller, how to inspect the console, live-test the Joy-Con and make sure the account and software are clean before you pay.
Read the guideBest Nintendo Switch games for beginners
Games with assist modes, no harsh fail states and controls that click within minutes.
Read the guide