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 was at last officially revealed with a brief teaser trailer earlier this year, with Nintendo dropping some notable details about the new console - including how backwards compatibility will work. And with another Direct showcase in March dropping the reveal of new feature for moving digital games, it's great to get confirmation that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible for both physical and digital Switch games.

While we already knew some compatibility would likely be on the cards, the reveal and following showcase gave us the full story, including the caveat that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be support or fully compatible with the Switch". With a closer look at the Nintendo Switch 2 design set to come in April, we'll hopefully learn more about the lineup of games coming our way, too.

The Nintendo Switch has a massive back library - there's nearly 12,000 titles for the system at last count. That's a lot of hours worth of content to take with us onto the Switch 2, which is especially enticing considering we're still waiting to hear about the lineup of 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.

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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 a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order.

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.

Digital backwards compatibility

Nintendo also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be backwards compatible with digital titles as well. The same rules still apply - there could be some experiences that use IR sensor placement or specific gyro controls in ways that won't suit the new system. 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.

Plus, 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 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. It begs the question: could this mean that existing games will be getting an upgraded version for the new-gen console? We're still awaiting confirmation on what exactly this means for future releases, but the new Virtual Game Cards certainly sounds like it'll make move games over to the new machine much easier.

What's next? There's a Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, which is likely when we'll hear more details about specs, price, and release timings. For now, though, be sure to check out all the best Nintendo Switch accessories and best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market.

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