Most Nintendo Switch games can be played on Nintendo Switch 2, but compatibility does not guarantee that every title will start, let you progress, or behave exactly as it did on the original console. Nintendo tracks issues in separate categories: games that fail to start or block progress, games that start with in-game problems, and issues resolved or expected to be addressed by updates. Check the current Nintendo listing for your exact game before buying or troubleshooting.
How Switch 2 backwards compatibility works
Nintendo Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Nintendo cautions that some titles may not be supported or fully compatible; its general compatibility guidance explains the broad policy.
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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A game that launches but has a graphics or performance issue is not the same as one that cannot start or prevents progress. Nintendo publishes separate status documents for these cases, as well as a list of issues that have been resolved or are planned for an update. A title appearing on an older issue list does not, by itself, mean the problem remains in the current version.
Games Nintendo lists with start-up or progress-blocking issues
Nintendo’s European document is titled “Games with issues that prevent progress on Nintendo Switch 2, including games with start up issues.” Its entries include games that may fail to launch or may not allow players to continue. Many entries are marked as under investigation. The following are examples, not a complete or guaranteed-current roster:
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
- 3 out of 10: Season One; A Boy and His Blob Retro Collection; A Long Way Down; A Time Traveller’s Guide To Past Delicacies; Aeon Must Die!; Aeterna Noctis; Afterdream; and Astral Flux.
- Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition; Botany Manor; CHRONO CROSS: THE RADICAL DREAMERS EDITION; Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy; DC Universe Online; and GRID Autosport.
- HITMAN 3 – Cloud Version; Mortal Kombat 1; NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition; Overwatch 2; Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition; and South Park: The Fractured But Whole.
- STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords; Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2; Warframe; WARRIORS: Abyss; and YouTube.
Some entries have narrower qualifications. Nintendo’s document identifies the listed Crypt of the NecroDancer: Nintendo Switch Edition issue as applying to physical versions, and specifically notes the Japanese version of Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. Check the Nintendo compatibility status page and the current game listing for the exact edition and region.
Games that start but have in-game issues
Nintendo’s separate list for games that start but have in-game problems includes the following examples. In that document, the listed issue handling is “This issue is being investigated”; the details may change with game updates or later status revisions.
- Alan Wake Remastered; Alien: Isolation; Arcade Archives ORDYNE; Arcade Archives PHELIOS; and Arcade Archives TETRIS THE ABSOLUTE THE GRAND MASTER 2 PLUS.
- Asphalt Legends Unite; Dadish; Dex; Dust: An Elysian Tail; Factorio; and Fall Guys.
- HARVESTELLA; HITMAN 3 – Cloud Version; Overcooked! All You Can Eat; Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection; and Stumble Guys.
These cases are distinct from the start-up or progress-blocking list: inclusion here means Nintendo’s document describes the game as starting, while noting an in-game issue. For current details, consult Nintendo’s compatibility status page and the specific title’s eShop or Nintendo product page.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Issues Nintendo says were fixed, planned for a fix, or may remain
Nintendo also documents titles with previously identified problems resolved by an update, planned fixes, or behavior differences. These notes are not a substitute for checking the latest game status and installed update.
- Alan Wake Remastered and Alien: Isolation: Nintendo says previously identified issues were resolved with an update.
- Dadish: Grid lines may appear.
- Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani: Graphics problems may occur in some areas.
- LIMBO: The game may occasionally shut down after certain inputs in certain areas.
- MotoGP 21, MotoGP 22, and MotoGP 23: Slowdown may occur in some areas.
- Nintendo Switch Sports: In football, the frame rate goes to 30 frames per second in Play Globally; Nintendo’s note said a fix was planned.
- Pikmin 3 Deluxe: The screen may briefly go blank in some scenes; Nintendo’s note said a fix was planned.
- Trials Rising: Slowdown may occur in some areas.
For the complete wording and any changes, see Nintendo’s status page and the current entry for the game.
Games and modes that need original Joy-Con features
Some limitations are about controller hardware rather than whether the game software launches. Nintendo Australia documents several titles that cannot be fully used with the supplied Joy-Con 2 in particular modes or setups:
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
- Ring Fit Adventure: Joy-Con 2 cannot attach to the Ring-Con or fit in the leg strap. Original Joy-Con can attach to the Ring-Con.
- 1-2-Switch: Modes that use the IR Motion Camera require an original right Joy-Con, because Joy-Con 2 does not include that camera.
- Everybody 1-2-Switch!: Joy-Con 2 force-feedback vibration is reduced, which may make the Joy-Con Hide & Seek minigame harder.
- Game Builder Garage: IR Motion Camera Nodon and IR-Light Nodon in Free Programming require an original right Joy-Con.
- Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch: Finger Calculations, Finger Drills, and Rock, Paper, Scissors Test require an original right Joy-Con.
- Nintendo Switch Sports: Joy-Con 2 does not fit in the leg strap, and Soccer Shoot-Out requires original Joy-Con.
Original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con can connect wirelessly to Switch 2, but they cannot attach to the new console. Nintendo says a Nintendo Switch console or compatible charging accessory is needed to charge them. See Nintendo Australia’s compatibility guidance for these controller-specific details. Using original Joy-Con addresses only the documented control or accessory limitation; it does not fix software launch or progress issues.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check whether a specific Switch game works
- Open Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility status page and look up the title.
- Open the game’s current Nintendo product page or eShop entry if the status page points you there or the listing is unclear.
- Confirm the relevant edition and region, especially when Nintendo’s note names a particular version or physical release.
- Install available system and game updates, then check whether Nintendo has changed the title’s status. A system update alone does not establish that every game-specific issue is fixed.
- If the game launches but a feature does not work, check whether the affected mode needs an original Joy-Con, IR Motion Camera, Ring-Con, or leg strap.
Nintendo’s US status page dates its posted information to June 5, 2025, says compatibility status can change, and directs players to individual title pages or the eShop for the latest status. The separate PDFs are useful for identifying known issue types, but they should not be treated as an exhaustive live roster. Nintendo’s update history lists system version 23.0.0, released September 9, 2026; its system notes do not show that all title-specific compatibility issues have been resolved. Regional pages and game editions may also differ.
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What to do if a game has a problem
- If it will not launch or progress stops, check Nintendo’s current entry for that title and edition before assuming the entire game is incompatible.
- If the game runs with a visual, performance, or feature problem, check whether Nintendo lists it under in-game issues or notes a fix in a later update.
- If a motion-control or accessory feature is missing, verify whether the game requires original Joy-Con rather than Joy-Con 2.
- When the status is unclear, compare the exact region and physical or digital version with Nintendo’s listing, then consult the game’s current eShop or product page.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
