Switch 2 backwards compatibility is pretty comprehensive across console generations, but there are still some original Switch games that don’t work on Switch 2.
Although Switch 2 arrived June 5 with the new Mario Kart World, some ports, and the possibility of upgrading big games (like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) to their respective Switch 2 versions, the launch lineup is relatively slight. As a result, you may lean on your original Switch backlog for things to play.
Below, we’ll explain how backwards compatibility works on Switch 2, plus include a list of all original Switch games that aren’t working (for various reasons) on Switch 2.
Switch 2 backwards compatibility, explained
You don’t need to worry whether you can play that long list of games in your backlog on Switch 2 or not, because Switch 2’s backwards compatibility covers most original Switch games, whether developed by Nintendo or other studios.
To play an original Switch game on Switch 2, simply download the game or insert the physical copy. You might have to load the Virtual Game Card if you were already playing the game in the original Switch.
According to data shared by Nintendo, almost 100% of Switch games work on Switch 2. However, while Nintendo says they are continually working on backwards compatibility in order to make every Switch game accessible across console generations, some Switch games aren’t working at all or don’t play as expected on Switch 2.
The reasons differ, but according to Nintendo’s data, the games that don’t work on Switch 2 can be broadly broken down into three categories:
Below, you will find the games and in which category they fit among the ones that are having problems on Switch 2.
Switch games with issues to be resolved on Switch 2
This list of games is the most promising one, since Nintendo indicates they are going to eventually receive an update to solve the problems, implying that studios have identified the issues already.
Switch games with issues that prevent progress on Switch 2
The issues in most of the games in this list are still being investigated. These games might present start-up issues or other kinds of problems that are interfering with your progression.
Switch games that don’t work with Switch 2 Joy-Cons
These games work on Switch 2, but only if you use the original Switch Joy-Cons. They do work on the new system – we tested them! However, Switch 2 can’t be used to charge these controllers.
