The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 boasts enhanced capabilities and superior performance compared to its predecessors, primarily due to a revamped hardware design. This upgrade also guarantees compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch’s game library, although some hiccups are expected during the transition from Switch 1 to Switch 2. A compatibility update in April 2025 by Nintendo indicates that a few classic games from the Switch 1 era won’t function, while other titles may experience unexpected in-game issues. Additionally, a small number of games may encounter problems with the new controller restrictions.
The challenges encountered arise due to the distinct designs of Switch 2 compared to its previous model. Nintendo has made efforts to maintain a large portion of their existing game library, but issues such as physical accessory conflicts, omitted Joy-Con features, and occasional engine mismatches mean that certain games either need workarounds or cannot be played at all. This situation is unfortunate yet explainable, as technological advancements often necessitate sacrifices in backward compatibility.
Nintendo Has Divided the Switch 1 Games Into Four Categories
To provide better organization for troubleshooting purposes and ensure clear understanding, Nintendo has categorized older Nintendo Switch games according to their compatibility with the upcoming Switch 2. It’s worth noting that among Nintendo’s extensive library of 122 first-party titles and over 15,000 partner games, only a small percentage encounter issues on the Switch 2. The majority of Nintendo’s own games operate smoothly, while a handful experience startup glitches or complete incompatibility.
In other news, some third-party games made by Nintendo’s partners exhibit a range of problems, from minor in-game malfunctions to severe startup failures. However, the majority of these games can still be played with only a few tweaks needed at the beginning. Nintendo is also actively working on fixing most of these issues.
Games That Can’t Be Played At All
The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit (One Switch 1 release) is specifically designed to work with its original hardware dimensions, making it incompatible with Switch 2 models. The VR Goggles require the insertion of the Switch 1 console into a cardboard case, but due to minor size and design changes in the Switch 2, this can’t be done.
Games That Require Nintendo Switch Joy-Con to Play
As a dedicated Nintendo Switch fan, I find myself drawn to games that leverage the unique features of the original Joy-Cons, such as the IR Motion Camera or special attachments. Titles like “Ring Fit Adventure” require slipping a Joy-Con into a Ring-Con accessory and leg strap, a functionality that seems incompatible with the updated design of Joy-Con 2.
In these games such as “WarioWare: Move It!” and “1-2-Switch!”, an IR Motion Camera is required to recognize hand movements. On the other hand, “Nintendo Switch Sports” utilizes a leg strap that’s not compatible with Joy-Con 2. However, those who still possess original Joy-Cons can wirelessly connect them to the Switch 2 and continue enjoying all functions. The games falling under this category are:
1. WarioWare: Move It!
2. 1-2-Switch!
3. Nintendo Switch Sports (with the leg strap accessory)
- Ring Fit Adventure
- 1-2-Switch
- Everybody 1-2-Switch!
- Game Builder Garage
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- WarioWare: Move It!
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit
- Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit
Games That Have Start-Up Issues
Nintendo’s third category includes games that fail to start up on the Switch 2, immediately upon launch. As per official announcements, approximately 141 games have encountered startup problems, which also affect popular titles such as “Doom Eternal” and “Dead by Daylight”. The issues are usually due to conflicts between the core engine dependencies of these games and the updated operating system and performance libraries in the Switch 2. To resolve this problem, developers need to modify or rewrite certain sections of the game’s code before it can function properly on the device.
Since that time, Nintendo has been consistently revising its listing of studios to indicate those who have addressed issues and those still working on fixing problems for various games. Although several updates are in progress, a general deadline for completion has not been established. Some key titles currently on this list include (but are not only) the following:
- Fortnite (A Nintendo Switch 2 version is already planned)
- NBA 2K25
- DOOM: Eternal
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
- Warframe
- Dead by Daylight
Games That Start But Have Incompatibility Issues
Ultimately, only a portion of the 140+ games on Switch 2 run smoothly, however, they may exhibit minor or significant in-game glitches. These can vary from unresponsive control inputs during specific mini-games to insufficient tactile feedback for events that once leveraged HD Rumble. The document outlines these problems as under investigation. Some of the notable games affected include, but are not exclusive to:
This version maintains the original’s clarity and readability while using more natural language and a slight rearrangement of sentences for improved flow.
- Street Fighter™ 30th Anniversary Collection
- Fall Guys
- Mega Man Legacy Collection
There Are Reportedly Some Games Also Being Tested
Nintendo has made it clear that its classification system for games is still being developed, with more testing needed for titles yet to be officially labeled. This means that some game compatibility statuses could potentially change if problems are discovered in the future. On a different note, the creators of Fortnite, Epic Games, are actively working on a custom-built edition for Switch 2, aiming to take advantage of the new console’s enhanced performance and online capabilities.
Indeed, Fortnite stands alone in its category as the only game currently with an updated status, whereas many others are simply labeled as “under investigation.” Additionally, it seems that other popular third-party games are undergoing extensive architecture revisions before they can be officially upgraded for Switch 2.
Read More
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Unaware Atelier Master: New Trailer Reveals April 2025 Fantasy Adventure!
- How to Reach 80,000M in Dead Rails
- Unlock Roslit Bay’s Bestiary: Fisch Fishing Guide
- Toei Animation’s Controversial Change to Sanji’s Fight in One Piece Episode 1124
- How to Unlock the Mines in Cookie Run: Kingdom
- 8 Best Souls-Like Games With Co-op
- Top 7 Tifa Mods for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Unleash Hell: Top10 Most Demanding Bosses in The First Berserker: Khazan
- Nine Sols: 6 Best Jin Farming Methods
2025-04-08 21:56