Games

Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility Fixes: KOTOR II and Plants vs. Zombies Now Working

22 October 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
11 min.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility Fixes: KOTOR II and Plants vs. Zombies Now Working

Summary:

Nintendo continues to smooth out backward compatibility on Switch 2, and two notable titles just crossed the finish line: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. Both now run properly on the newer hardware following developer-side patches, not a fresh system firmware. That distinction matters because it means fixes can land any day, not only when a console update drops. Here, we lay out what actually changed, how to update the games, and how to double-check that your install is on the correct version. You’ll find save transfer notes, DLC considerations, and realistic performance expectations so you know whether to start a brand-new run or pick up right where you left off. We also unpack the difference between basic compatibility patches and full “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades, explain why some games move faster than others, and share a simple checklist to get your Switch 2 ready for the next batch of stealth fixes. If you’ve been waiting to revisit Obsidian’s classic RPG or return to Neighborville’s turf wars, this puts you on the fastest path to a smooth session.

 Switch 2 compatibility fixes

Backward compatibility is the quiet hero of any hardware transition. You’ve already paid for games, built saves, and maybe grabbed DLC—so being able to boot them on a new system without friction makes all the difference. The news that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville now run properly on Switch 2 shows how the support picture is evolving: fixes can arrive through individual game updates rather than waiting for a monolithic system patch. That approach spreads the workload, keeps attention on problem titles, and—crucially—shortens the wait for players. It also sends a signal for the months ahead: don’t assume a broken app will stay broken for long. If a publisher can deliver a targeted patch that addresses the way Switch 2 handles an engine quirk, controller timing, or save path, it can flip from “incompatible” to “good to go” with one download. For anyone sitting on a backlog, that’s great news. It means library value keeps rising even before the next big firmware banner appears in your notifications.

Real-world impact for players picking favorites over specs

These changes are more than a bullet point. Plenty of players simply want to pick their comfort game and play—no spreadsheets, no chasing workarounds. When fixes land quietly through game updates, you get exactly that: fewer hoops, more playtime. It also lowers the risk of buying a discounted Switch title during a sale and later discovering it’s flaky on Switch 2. The more publishers push compatibility patches live, the more confident you can be that your download will just work. And when a fix is documented clearly, it makes planning easier: finish a run on your original Switch, transfer the save, and continue on the sofa with Switch 2’s improved comfort and battery profile.

Publishers triage. A storied RPG like KOTOR II and a family-friendly shooter like PvZ: Battle for Neighborville reach very different audiences, but both have enough momentum to justify quick action. Getting these over the line demonstrates capability and sets expectations for other teams using similar engines or middleware. Once one team proves out the edge cases on Switch 2, internal documentation spreads, and the next patch ships faster.

What changed for KOTOR II and PvZ: Battle for Neighborville

Both games previously exhibited issues on Switch 2 that blocked normal play. Reports now confirm that the latest patches resolve the problems and bring behavior in line with the original Switch versions. For KOTOR II specifically, the game’s eShop page reflects Switch 2 compatibility status with a recent update, signaling that the publisher has validated the fix on current firmware. For PvZ: Battle for Neighborville, community tracking and press summaries indicate the title is now in working order once the newest update is installed. The upshot: if either game stalled on you earlier, install the latest patch, relaunch, and you should be clear to play through without show-stopping crashes or lockups. Expect the experience to mirror what you had on Switch—only now on newer hardware with all the quality-of-life perks that come with it, like better Wi-Fi stability and modern controllers.

KOTOR II: highlights to check after updating

After patching KOTOR II, verify that dialog interactions, combat transitions, and area loads behave normally. If you use multiple save slots, confirm that autosaves and manual saves are both present and readable. If you previously bounced off due to crashes at specific zones or cutscenes, revisit those spots for peace of mind. Should you use cloud backup, sync once before launching on Switch 2, then again after the patch to ensure continuity. When everything looks stable, you can settle in for a long session without babysitting the quick-save button.

PvZ: Battle for Neighborville: stability checks and online flow

Neighborville’s charm relies on quick match flow and the social loop of dropping into Giddy Park and hopping across modes. After updating, head to the hub, test transitions into multiplayer and private lobbies, and review your control mappings in case the patch reset anything. If you’re running into matchmaking delays, confirm NAT type and bandwidth on the network settings screen and make sure background downloads are paused. Once your first few matches run without disconnects or crash-to-home moments, you’re set for smooth turf battles.

Fixes without a firmware update: how that’s possible

It’s easy to assume that only a system update can fix compatibility—but many issues live in the game’s own code. Middleware versions, shader compilation, timing assumptions, and even file access paths can differ just enough on Switch 2 to trigger faults. Developers can patch those interactions directly, shipping a new build that gracefully handles the differences. Meanwhile, Nintendo still issues system-level compatibility tweaks through firmware when a broader pattern emerges across many titles. Think of it as two lanes moving in parallel: game-specific patches for targeted problems and platform updates for widespread issues. That dual-track approach is why you’ll sometimes see a fix pop midweek with no console notification—because the change lived entirely inside the game.

Engine and middleware quirks that often trip up backward compatibility

Game engines cache assumptions. A physics step rate that landed “close enough” on the original Switch might desync on a faster CPU. A shader compiled with an older profile might behave differently on Switch 2’s driver stack. Even onboarding flows can break if a game expects a specific controller enumeration and doesn’t account for Switch 2’s updated pads. None of this requires a new firmware if the development team can adapt their build to the new reality. That’s why watching patch notes—and verifying the installed version number—matters more than waiting for a global system banner.

How to update each game and confirm you’re good to go

On Switch 2, highlight the game icon, press the options button, and choose “Software Update” to force a check. If you keep automatic updates on, the patch may already be installed. After download, open the info panel and note the version number. For KOTOR II, cross-reference the latest compatibility note on the store page or publisher blog to ensure yours matches or exceeds that build. For PvZ: Battle for Neighborville, confirm the update by launching and verifying stable transitions through the hub into modes that previously failed. If you keep your console offline, connect temporarily to pull the patch, then return to your preferred setup. It’s a two-minute routine that can save an evening of frustration.

Verifying version numbers and clearing corrupted data

If the update seems to install but behavior doesn’t change, try “Check for Corrupt Data” under the software management menu. This verifies the install and redownloads any damaged chunks. Make sure storage isn’t bursting at the seams; maintain at least 5–10 GB free to give the system room for patching and cache. When issues persist, power down fully, wait a few seconds, and boot fresh before launching the game again.

Save data, DLC, and transfer considerations on Switch 2

Compatibility fixes shouldn’t touch your saves, but it’s smart to double-check. If you moved from Switch to Switch 2, confirm that your save exists locally and—if supported—backed up to the cloud. For DLC, visit the game’s eShop page and make sure every entitlement shows as “Purchased” and “Downloaded.” Some titles store DLC as separate tickets; others bundle it in patches. If you use a microSD, ensure it’s seated properly and formatted by the console, not a PC. Once you see your save and DLC in place, spot-check by loading a late-game area or purchased cosmetic pack so you know everything carried over.

Handling save conflicts when swapping between consoles

When both an original Switch and Switch 2 are in the picture, cloud sync can create conflicts if you play on both without uploading. Always exit to the system menu and let the upload complete before switching devices. If you encounter a “newer save available” prompt, choose carefully, and when in doubt back up locally before overwriting.

Performance expectations after compatibility patches

Compatibility doesn’t equal a remaster. These fixes target correctness—booting, saving, loading, controller input—not sweeping performance upgrades. Expect the experience to mirror the original Switch in frame pacing and resolution unless the publisher specifically advertises enhancements. That said, Switch 2’s faster storage and system-level improvements can reduce hitching in some IO-heavy moments, and the newer controllers may feel snappier thanks to refined polling and lower noise. Treat any uplift as a bonus rather than a promise unless an official “Switch 2 Edition” is announced for that title.

How to tell an enhancement from a compatibility fix

If a publisher markets higher resolution, improved textures, or new visual features exclusively for Switch 2, that’s an enhancement. If the changelog focuses on stability, crash fixes, or corrected behavior on Switch 2, that’s compatibility. The difference affects expectations and, sometimes, pricing. Compatibility fixes arrive as normal patches for owners. Enhancements may release as separate builds or paid upgrades. Keep an eye on store labeling and footnotes to know which camp your favorite game falls into.

Known quirks and quick troubleshooting for early adopters

After any patch lands, a handful of edge cases can linger. If you still see oddities—missing audio channels, UI elements clipped at non-standard display modes, or intermittent stutter—capture a short video and file a support ticket with your platform region and exact game version. Meanwhile, try toggling “Match TV Power State,” disabling background downloads, and switching from wireless to wired (via dock) for online modes. Many day-one hiccups tie back to network variability rather than the patch itself. A clean restart and one more launch attempt will often clear it.

When to reinstall versus waiting for another patch

Reinstall only after you’ve tried verifying data and clearing cache. Full redownloads can help if the patch layered on top of a very old build, but they’re usually unnecessary. If press outlets and the publisher both confirm a fix and you still can’t play, a reinstall is worth a shot. Otherwise, give it a day—many teams roll quick follow-ups when telemetry flags a new crash cluster.

Compatibility vs. “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades: key differences

Some Switch games will receive enhanced versions that specifically target Switch 2 with higher fidelity or new features. These aren’t the same as compatibility patches. Compatibility makes the existing Switch version behave properly on Switch 2. A “Switch 2 Edition” is a separate SKU or build with platform-specific improvements, and it may carry different pricing or save behavior. Knowing the difference prevents disappointment: don’t expect a visual overhaul from a compatibility patch. If you’re chasing higher resolution or new effects, watch for explicit announcements and branding that call out Switch 2-only editions.

What labels and footnotes usually reveal

Retail listings and official store pages often use clear tags to differentiate editions. Look for phrases like “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition,” “enhanced for Switch 2,” or notes in the purchase flow that restrict a build to the newer system. These cues also show up in rating database updates and patch notes, hinting at what’s coming before a trailer drops. When in doubt, the absence of those tags means you’re looking at a compatibility fix rather than an upgrade.

How Nintendo prioritizes which titles get fixed first

There’s a practical hierarchy. Games with large active communities, frequent online play, or current store visibility jump ahead. Technical feasibility matters too: if a fix is obvious and low-risk, it ships sooner. Some engines share common libraries, so solving one thorny issue unlocks ten more patches downstream. Communication cadence also plays a role; when outlets highlight specific problem titles, publishers have incentive to address them quickly. The KOTOR II and PvZ updates fit this pattern—recognizable names with engaged players, and issues that could be isolated and treated without waiting on firmware.

Why some titles still take longer

Older middleware, bespoke engines, or complicated save formats slow things down. Teams also juggle live projects, platform submissions, and localization. Even if a developer has a candidate build internally, it must pass certification on Switch 2. That’s why you’ll see staggered progress: a wave of fixes, a quiet week, then another wave. The important part is momentum; each confirmed patch increases confidence that more are on the way.

Practical checklist: prepare your Switch 2 for future patches

Keep automatic updates enabled if you’re comfortable with background downloads. Maintain at least 10 GB of free space on internal storage to reduce fragmentation and leave headroom for patch deltas. Use a high-quality microSD with known performance and format it on the console. Periodically check the “Compatible Games” information hub for policy changes or controller caveats, especially for titles that rely on specific Joy-Con features. Finally, get in the habit of verifying the installed version after any headline about compatibility improvements—you’ll catch fixes as soon as they land and save yourself a round of guesswork.

Network tips that prevent headaches

For big patches, dock the system and use wired LAN if available. Pause other downloads on your network to keep latency steady. If you use parental controls or DNS filtering, whitelist the eShop and update domains to avoid partial downloads. Once a patch completes, restart the system so any lingering cache issues clear before you jump back in.

What to watch next: timelines, sources, and smart settings

Expect more compatibility news to arrive through publisher channels and trusted trackers. When an outlet cites specific titles moving from “problematic” to “working,” that usually means the patch has passed certification and is rolling out region by region. Bookmark a few reliable sources, skim their headlines weekly, and give your library a quick scan for pending updates. Keep your Switch 2’s auto-update on if you want to be first in line; turn it off if you prefer to read notes before installing. Either way, the trend is your friend: more games are flipping to “working” status, and not all of them will wait for a big firmware splash screen to do it.

Conclusion

KOTOR II and PvZ: Battle for Neighborville crossing into “working” territory on Switch 2 is a win for anyone with a Switch library. It demonstrates that compatibility isn’t locked to firmware cycles and that developer-side patches can solve issues at their source. Update the games, confirm versions, test the flows that matter to you, and carry on with confidence. Keep expectations grounded—these are fixes, not full upgrades—but enjoy the comfort of a library that’s becoming more playable by the week. With publishers steadily clearing the backlog, your next pleasant surprise could be waiting in the download queue.

FAQs
  • Do I need a new system update for these fixes?
    • No. Both titles were addressed through game patches, so you can receive the fixes without a fresh Switch 2 firmware.
  • Will my old Switch saves work after patching?
    • In most cases, yes. Verify that your save data is present locally or synced via cloud, then open and resave once on Switch 2.
  • Are these enhancements or just compatibility fixes?
    • These are compatibility fixes that make the existing Switch versions behave correctly on Switch 2, not full “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades.
  • How can I confirm I’m on the fixed build?
    • Open the game’s options panel on the home screen, check the software version, and compare it with the latest notes from the publisher or store page.
  • What if I still see crashes?
    • Run “Check for Corrupt Data,” ensure adequate free space, restart the console, and try again. If problems persist, file a support ticket with your game version and region.
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