Switch 2’s Dirty Little Secret Exposed

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Summary

  • 188 Switch 1 games have compatibility issues on Switch 2, with 141 facing startup problems, including Fortnite and NBA 2K25.
  • 47 Switch 1 games, such as Fall Guys and Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, have in-game compatibility problems on Switch 2.
  • Hardware differences prevent some original Switch games like Ring Fit Adventure from being compatible with Switch 2.

As a follower eagerly anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2, I’ve learned that while it is backward-compatible with games from the original Switch, there might be some titles that may not run smoothly at launch due to startup problems or hardware incongruities. This caveat arises even though the Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to play games released for the initial Switch.

The longevity of a console generation spanning close to a decade is quite remarkable, and the Nintendo Switch, with its consistent sales success since 2017, has served as Nintendo’s primary console platform throughout this time. During this duration, it has welcomed numerous blockbuster titles, some even from beloved series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Therefore, when it was confirmed that the Switch 2 would be compatible with games designed for its predecessor, fans breathed a sigh of relief. At that point, Nintendo had also hinted that not all Switch 1 games would be compatible, and now, the console manufacturer has provided some valuable clarification on this matter.

Nintendo revealed that, following compatibility testing performed on April 1st, a total of 188 Switch 1 games have encountered various issues when running on Switch 2. Out of these, 141 games such as Fortnite, Doom Eternal, NBA 2K25, Rocket League, and Warframe experience startup difficulties on Switch 2. However, Nintendo specifically mentioned that a dedicated Switch 2 version of Fortnite is being planned for future release. Additionally, 47 games like Alan Wake: Remastered, Alien: Isolation, Fall Guys, Mega Man Legacy Collection, and Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection are playable on the upcoming Switch successor but still have in-game compatibility problems. Notably, Nintendo emphasized that this list is preliminary and may change as more tests are conducted throughout April.

Nintendo Shares List of Switch 1 Games Not Compatible with Switch 2

In addition to some software issues, there are also hardware differences between the initial Nintendo Switch and the newly revealed Nintendo Switch 2 that prevent games designed for the first one from running on the second. Games like Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Switch Sports, WarioWare: Move It!, and the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Kits are incompatible with the new model. However, it’s important to note that the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con VR Kit does not support the Switch 2 at all. The other mentioned games, including the remaining three Toy-Con Kits, can still function on the Switch 2 if players connect it with the Joy-Cons from the original Nintendo Switch.

Over the past few years, a number of major games haven’t been released on Nintendo’s platform. Some notable ones like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade were announced for the upgraded Switch (Switch 2) during the Nintendo Direct live broadcast on April 2.

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2025-04-02 23:25