Summary:
Nintendo’s Switch 2 promises to let you enjoy most of your existing Switch 1 collection, but it’s not quite a copy‑and‑paste experience. The company launched the console with both digital and physical backwards compatibility, yet a handful of exceptions—and a living list that keeps changing—mean you’ll want to keep tabs on updates. Fortnite, for instance, is getting its own Switch 2 build, so the original isn’t needed, while Fitness Boxing is receiving a patch to iron out quirks on the new hardware. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of how compatibility works, which games already run perfectly, why some need fixes, and what steps you can take to ensure your library makes a smooth jump. You’ll also see how Nintendo’s ongoing testing process shapes the list and what that means for future releases. Expect practical advice, engaging insights, and a forward‑looking perspective so you can squeeze every drop of fun out of your shiny new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Backwards compatibility at launch
When Switch 2 officially hit store shelves in early 2025, Nintendo’s headline promise was simple: the vast majority of Switch 1 titles would work right out of the box. Both cartridges and digital purchases stored on your Nintendo Account were designed to boot without hoops to jump through. The announcement came as a relief—after all, the original Switch amassed a staggering library over eight years, and nobody wanted to re‑buy favorites. That said, Nintendo also cautioned players to expect exceptions, insisting the engineering team was “pushing for the widest coverage possible” while acknowledging that architecture tweaks, new chipset behaviors, and unique controller timing could occasionally ruffle feathers.
Nintendo’s official stance
From day one, the company framed backwards compatibility as an evolving feature rather than a static guarantee. The message was clear: if a game doesn’t run perfectly today, it might tomorrow after a firmware update or publisher patch. Nintendo’s support site even includes a prominent disclaimer reminding users that the compatibility list “will be refined continuously as additional testing is completed.” That mindset turns the list into a living document—an encouraging sign that older gems won’t be forgotten.
Digital versus physical game support
If you built a massive digital library on Switch 1, you’ll be happy to hear that your purchases follow you automatically once you sign in on Switch 2. Cloud re‑downloads are quick, and most save files sync through Nintendo Switch Online. Physical collectors, on the other hand, can simply pop in a cartridge and dive back into Hyrule, Kanto, or wherever their adventure lies. The new console’s cartridge slot retains the same shape and pin layout, but the bus speed doubles, meaning shorter load screens and snappier asset streaming in many titles.
Potential hiccups with older cartridges
A minority of early‑run physical releases shipped with custom middleware that leans hard on the original Tegra X1’s quirks. When that code meets the Switch 2’s beefier SoC, timing mismatches can trigger visual flickers or audio desyncs. Nintendo’s solution combines system‑level patches with optional publisher updates, guaranteeing that critical issues are addressed without forcing everyone to download gigabytes of data unnecessarily.
Pro tip: keep your firmware fresh
Your Switch 2 regularly checks Nintendo’s servers for system updates, but you can trigger a manual search via System Settings > System > System Update. Doing so after inserting an older cartridge is a quick way to snag the latest compatibility fix and dodge frustration.
Why some titles need patches
Compatibility isn’t binary; it lives on a spectrum ranging from “perfect” to “won’t boot.” Most Switch 1 games land at the former end because Nintendo’s engineers replicated critical GPU instruction paths and input latency characteristics. Still, titles that stretch hardware limits—think late‑generation Unreal Engine projects or rhythm games with millisecond‑tight hit windows—sometimes stumble. These experiences rely on edge‑case behaviors no longer present in the new chipset, so small adjustments, like retuning shader compilation or recalibrating timing, become necessary.
Real‑world examples
Fortnite illustrates the first scenario. Epic Games opted to develop a bespoke Switch 2 build leveraging the console’s upgraded CPU and DLSS‑style upscaling. As a result, the original Switch version no longer needs to load on Switch 2, freeing Nintendo to mark it “not required” on the list. Fitness Boxing lands in the second bucket. Its motion‑controlled workout routines needed retuned inertia calculations due to the Joy‑Con using refreshed gyroscopes. A lightweight patch coming this spring sorts things out while preserving progress data.
Confirmed compatible Switch 1 games
The compatibility list is too long to print here in full, but several high‑profile franchises earned the coveted “fully compatible” badge on day one:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Metroid Dread
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
- Splatoon 3
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
These titles run at their original resolutions yet benefit from faster loading thanks to the new NVMe‑based internal storage and expanded memory bandwidth. Early community benchmarks show 10–20% quicker initial boot times and smoother dynamic resolution swings during heavy effects like rainstorms in Hyrule Field.
Indie darlings shine, too
Because many indie games were built to scale across low‑power PCs, they slip right into Switch 2’s environment without breaking a sweat. Celeste, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley all exhibit rock‑solid frame pacing, and some even hit their engine’s internal frame‑rate caps more consistently than before.
Native Switch 2 versions replacing legacy support
In select cases, a publisher may decide that a native port is preferable to maintaining backwards compatibility. Epic’s Fortnite isn’t the only example—Capcom is preparing a Switch 2 edition of Monster Hunter Rise with higher‑resolution textures and a balanced 60 fps target. When such a release ships, Nintendo flags the original as “superseded,” removing it from active QA cycles so resources focus on fresher builds.
Upgrade paths and pricing
Fortunately, the industry seems to have learned from previous generational bumps: many native upgrades are free for existing owners, while others ask a small fee to cover asset re‑authoring. Always check the eShop listing—the “Upgrade Available” banner sits beside the Download button if you already purchased the Switch 1 edition.
Games still under evaluation
Nintendo’s latest public sheet (dated April 16, 2025) includes a short “Under Evaluation” column. Titles here either exhibit non‑critical glitches—like intermittent haptic rumbles—or are awaiting publisher sign‑off. Notable entries include Dragon Quest XI S and The Outer Worlds, both of which rely on middleware versions that Nintendo is currently validating. Don’t panic if your favorite adventure appears in this limbo; odds are it will graduate within weeks.
Community feedback matters
If you encounter an issue not yet documented, Nintendo actively encourages players to submit a report via the Switch 2’s Support menu. The team aggregates these tickets to prioritize test campaigns, so a concise description—along with a short video clip uploaded through your phone—can accelerate a fix.
How Nintendo updates the list
The compatibility sheet lives on Nintendo’s global support portal, and updates roll out roughly every two weeks. The process combines automated stress tests with manual play sessions. First, internal bots launch games, capture logs, and flag anomalies. Next, human testers attempt to replicate issues on retail hardware. Once a patch or firmware tweak resolves the problem, the game’s status slides from “Under Evaluation” or “Known Issues” to “Fully Compatible.” The changelog at the bottom of the page summarizes each batch of adjustments so you can track progress without combing line by line.
Reading the status codes
The sheet uses three symbols: a green check for flawless operation, an orange wrench for minor issues that don’t block play, and a red × for titles that fail to start. The red category currently holds fewer than a dozen niche releases, mostly Japan‑exclusive party games built around bespoke peripherals.
Smoothly migrating your library
Shifting hundreds of gigabytes from an aging microSD card to Switch 2’s faster storage might sound daunting, but the process is surprisingly painless. Use the “Bulk Transfer” option under Data Management to queue downloads overnight. If your internet speed is slow, prioritize titles you play regularly, then trickle the rest later. Physical owners can install the latest update while the game runs from the cartridge, ensuring peak performance without ballooning storage requirements.
Save data and cloud sync
Most first‑party games support automatic cloud saves through Nintendo Switch Online. Third‑party support is improving, though you may need to manually enable backup for certain releases. Always confirm the cloud icon appears next to your game before wiping the old console.
Multiplayer and online feature considerations
Backwards compatibility also extends to online lobbies, but there are nuances. Switch 2 owners can party up with Switch 1 friends in Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe because servers treat both versions identically. However, when a native Switch 2 client launches—like the forthcoming Fortnite build—cross‑play hinges on the publisher’s matchmaking logic. Epic plans to unify queues, yet performance disparities could prompt separate “Legacy” and “Next‑Gen” playlists during peak hours.
Voice chat and accessory support
Your existing USB headsets, Bluetooth controllers, and LAN adapters work flawlessly. Nintendo’s new wireless audio stack even reduces latency by a few milliseconds, subtly improving rhythm‑game accuracy for those who care about score chasing.
Looking ahead to future improvements
Switch 2’s firmware roadmap includes promised GPU driver enhancements and deeper DLSS‑style scaler integration. As those roll out, borderline titles may flip from orange wrench to green check without any developer intervention. Nintendo also teased a “Performance Boost Mode” toggle for select backwards‑compatible games, letting you trade a slight bump in fan noise for higher dynamic resolution.
What players can expect
Historically, Nintendo supports each console for at least six years, and early signs suggest Switch 2 will follow suit. That leaves ample runway for polishing compatibility to near‑perfect status. Keep an eye on patch notes, and don’t hesitate to revisit an old favorite—you might be surprised how fresh it feels on modern hardware.
Conclusion
Switch 2’s backwards compatibility journey is already off to a strong start, with the bulk of fan‑favorite titles running exactly as you remember—or better—while the company keeps chiseling away at the rough edges. Whether you’re eyeing native upgrades like Fortnite’s new build or relying on system‑level tweaks for niche gems, the path forward looks bright. By staying updated, transferring data carefully, and lending feedback when hiccups appear, you’ll keep your library thriving well into the console’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Do I need to re‑purchase digital games for Switch 2?
- A: No. Sign in with the same Nintendo Account, and eligible titles appear in your eShop library for free download.
- Q: Will Joy‑Con drift issues affect compatibility?
- A: Switch 2 features revised sticks with improved durability. Existing Joy‑Con still connect, but replacing worn units is recommended for optimal input accuracy.
- Q: Can I use my old microSD card in Switch 2?
- A: Yes, though the console prompts you to migrate data to its faster internal storage or a UHS‑II compatible card for best results.
- Q: What happens if a game shows the red × symbol?
- A: It won’t launch on current firmware. Monitor Nintendo’s list for future updates or a possible native re‑release.
- Q: How often does Nintendo refresh the compatibility list?
- A: Updates typically arrive every two weeks, but urgent hotfixes can appear sooner if critical issues surface.
Sources
- Nintendo Switch 2 Backward Compatibility Looks Better Than Expected, Wired, April 16, 2025
- Everything we know about Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatibility, Polygon, April 2, 2025
- Switch 2’s Backwards Compatibility List Provides Updates On Two Titles, Nintendo Life, April 15, 2025
- Fortnite and Fitness Boxing Switch 2 Compatibility Updated, Siliconera, April 16, 2025
- Is Switch 2 Backwards Compatible? Here’s Which Games Have Issues, GameSpot, April 4, 2025
