Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility Website: Your Complete Guide to Playing Switch Games on the New Console

On November 9, 2025, Nintendo unveiled a dedicated compatibility website that addresses one of the most pressing questions for Switch 2 owners: "Will my Switch games work on the new console?" The answer, for the vast majority of titles, is a resounding yes—but with some important caveats that every gamer should understand. The new website provides a straightforward search function where users can look up any Switch title to verify its compatibility status with the Switch 2. This resource eliminates the guesswork and helps players make informed decisions about their gaming library. How the Compatibility Website Works Using Nintendo's new compatibility checker is remarkably simple. Players only need to enter a game title or even a general search term into the website's search bar. The results include both physical cartridge versions and digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop. Each game page displays one of several compatibility statuses: "Supported – Game behavior is consistent with Nintendo Switch" – The gold standard, indicating the game runs flawlessly Games with specific issues – Detailed explanations of any problems encountered Incompatible titles – Games that cannot currently be played on Switch 2 Partial compatibility – Titles requiring original Switch Joy-Con controllers For instance, checking Super Mario Galaxy reveals the reassuring message that game behavior is consistent with the original Nintendo Switch, confirming it operates without performance or feature issues. Understanding Switch 2 Backwards Compatibility The Switch 2's backwards compatibility isn't simply hardware emulation—it's a sophisticated hybrid approach. Nintendo achieved this through what hardware director Takuhiro Dohta describes as "somewhere in between a software emulator and hardware compatibility." The system uses a real-time translation layer that converts Switch 1 game data as you play. This method allows older titles to benefit from the Switch 2's upgraded internals while maintaining the intended gaming experience. It's performed on a real-time basis as data is read, similar to having a simultaneous interpreter between two different languages. The Impressive Compatibility Rate According to Nintendo's official testing conducted through May 2025, the compatibility statistics are impressive: 122 Nintendo-developed games tested: All compatible except Nintendo Labo VR Kit Third-party games: Approximately 98.7% compatibility rate Over 15,000 Switch games: Around 170 titles with identified issues Monthly updates: Nintendo continues releasing compatibility fixes Both physical cartridges and digital purchases made through the Nintendo eShop can be accessed on the new console via account transfer, preserving years of game investments. Notable Compatibility Issues and Solutions Games Requiring Original Joy-Con Controllers The Joy-Con 2 controllers that ship with Switch 2 lack the IR Motion Camera featured in the original Switch Joy-Con (R). This hardware difference affects several titles: Ring Fit Adventure: Joy-Con 2 can't attach to the Ring-Con accessory, but the game works with original Switch Joy-Con Nintendo Labo titles: Most require original controllers; Nintendo Labo VR Kit is completely incompatible due to the Switch 2's larger physical size 1-2-Switch: Limited functionality without the IR camera WarioWare: Move It!: Requires original Joy-Con for full experience Games with Current Issues Some popular titles have encountered temporary compatibility problems. For example, NieR: Automata—widely praised as an excellent Switch port—currently experiences issues on Switch 2. However, Nintendo has been steadily addressing these problems through regular updates. Games on the incompatibility list include startup issues preventing the game from launching or progression problems that block players from completing certain sections. Performance Considerations While most games run smoothly, some players have reported minor input lag in competitive fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The translation layer's overhead can affect titles requiring precise timing, though this represents a small minority of the library. How Nintendo Continues Improving Compatibility Nintendo demonstrates ongoing commitment to expanding compatibility through monthly system updates. The August 2025 update alone fixed 12 previously incompatible games, with more patches expected regularly. Recent compatibility fixes include: Beat 'Em Up Collection (QUByte Classics) Bright Memory: Infinite Gold Edition Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R Melty Blood: Type Lumina Touhou Artificial Dream in Arcadia Various region-specific titles Nintendo works directly with publishing and developing partners to resolve compatibility issues, ensuring the vast library remains accessible to Switch 2 owners. Accessing Your Switch Library on Switch 2 Digital Transfers Transferring your digital library requires re-downloading games rather than direct transfer. The process typically takes considerable time depending on your library size—one user reported 28 minutes for 127 games and 45GB of save data. Physical Game Support Physical Switch cartridges work directly in the Switch 2, though Nintendo introduced "Virtual Game Cards" in April 2025. This feature allows you to virtually transfer digitally purchased games for use on a second Switch or Switch 2 system, or loan them to family members for up to two weeks. Save Data Migration All game saves can transfer via Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves or local transfer methods, ensuring you don't lose progress when upgrading to the new console. The Switch 2's Hardware Advantages Launched in June 2025 at $449.99 in the United States—50% higher than the original Switch's launch price—the Switch 2 represents Nintendo's most expensive console in over 30 years when adjusted for inflation. The premium pricing reflects significant hardware improvements: Enhanced processing power that improves performance for compatible games Larger display and improved ergonomics Better dock ventilation system More durable kickstand design GameChat support integration for compatible titles Games that previously struggled with performance on the original Switch often run significantly better on Switch 2, taking advantage of the upgraded hardware through the compatibility layer. Developer Access and Future Support In August 2025, reports emerged that Nintendo was directing smaller and indie studios to focus on releases for the original Switch rather than providing Switch 2 development kits. While these games remain playable on Switch 2 through backwards compatibility, this decision prevents developers from releasing native Switch 2 titles with enhanced features or hardware optimizations. Nintendo has not clarified the reasoning behind this approach, though it ensures the original Switch maintains strong developer support while Switch 2 benefits from backwards compatibility. Tips for Switch 2 Owners Before Purchasing Older Titles Always check the compatibility website before buying older Switch games. Some titles may never receive compatibility fixes due to licensing or technical limitations. Nintendo maintains an official list of affected games that's regularly updated. Troubleshooting Compatibility Issues If you encounter problems with a supposedly compatible game: Check for updates: Navigate to Settings > System > System Update Install the latest version: Many games receive compatibility patches Restart the console: Clearing suspended software often resolves anomalies Verify on the eShop: Check the game's Nintendo store page for the latest compatibility information Use original Joy-Con: For games with specific controller requirements Staying Informed Join Nintendo Switch 2 gaming communities where users regularly discover workarounds and share compatibility experiences. These communities often identify solutions before Nintendo documents them officially. What the Compatibility Website Means for Gamers Nintendo's launch of this comprehensive compatibility resource demonstrates the company's commitment to accessibility and user experience. Rather than leaving players to discover compatibility issues through trial and error, the website provides transparent information upfront. This initiative showcases Nintendo's effort to balance innovation with preservation—modernizing hardware while maintaining the convenience and flexibility that defined the Switch era. For the millions who invested in Switch's extensive library over its eight-year run, this backwards compatibility represents significant value. The Future of Switch 2 Compatibility As Nintendo continues releasing monthly updates and working with developers, the already impressive 98.7% compatibility rate will likely improve further. The company's track record with the Switch 2 launch suggests ongoing dedication to ensuring virtually every worthwhile title from the previous generation remains playable. While some games—particularly those requiring specialized accessories or IR camera functionality—may always require workarounds, the vast majority of Switch's incredible library seamlessly transitions to the new hardware. Conclusion Nintendo's Switch 2 compatibility website represents more than just a convenient tool—it's a testament to the company's understanding that gaming libraries represent years of investment and memories. By providing transparent, searchable information about which games work and how well they perform, Nintendo removes uncertainty from the upgrade decision. For Switch 2 owners, the message is clear: your extensive game collection remains valuable and accessible. With monthly compatibility improvements and Nintendo's ongoing commitment to resolving issues, the Switch 2 successfully bridges the gap between generations while pointing toward an exciting future of enhanced gaming experiences. Whether you're an early adopter or considering the upgrade, the compatibility website ensures you'll know exactly what to expect from your favorite Switch games on Nintendo's latest console.