Will Switch 2 games work on Switch 1? Generational change explained

We've had a ton of information released as part of the latest Nintendo Direct, so if you're confused about Switch 2 backwards compatibility, we've got you covered.

Check out more of our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage:

• Nintendo Switch 2 release date - when does it come out?
• Nintendo Switch 2 price - how much does it cost?
• Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - where to buy
• Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer - see the console here
• Nintendo Switch 2 Experience - how to try out the new console in person
• Switch 2 backwards compatibility explained - can you play OG Switch games on Switch 2?

Will Switch 2 games work on Switch?

Nintendo hasn't confirmed if Switch 2 games will work on the first iteration of the Switch.

Although there's no confirmation, cross-generation games have become increasingly common in recent years.

We expect some of Nintendo's biggest releases to be playable across both consoles, while some will be exclusive to the Switch 2.

For example, Mario Kart World doubles its player count to 24 racers, meaning there's a chance the original Switch can't handle the new demands, placing it as a Switch 2 exclusive.

Games that utilise the upgraded Switch 2 specs and innovations such as the enhanced Joycons are expected to be exclusive too, as there's no way for the Switch 1 to play them.

Will Switch 1 games work on Switch 2?

Yes! The Switch 2 will have the ability to play the majority of physical and digital games from the original Switch.

Prior to revealing the new console, Nintendo confirmed backward compatibility would be present with the new console.

During the reveal trailer, Nintendo stated some Switch 1 games won't be supported or fully compatible with the Switch 2 console, which could be disappointing if some popular games are affected.

As of 1st April, Nintendo has confirmed that out of the 122 first-party titles on the Nintendo Switch, only one does not currently work with the Switch 2 - Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit.

That's isn't a massive loss (sorry to you Nintendo Labo fans out there), but the real issue comes with third-party games.

Out of more than 15,000 third-party Switch titles, 141 do not boot up at all, with a further 47 games being playable, but with "some in-game compatibility issues".

You can check the full list of compatible games on the Nintendo website.

Read more on Nintendo:

• Nintendo Switch OLED review - handheld gaming levels up
• The very best Nintendo Switch games
• Nintendo Switch 2 release date - the latest rumours
• Best Nintendo Switch games for kids
• Nintendo Direct - when is the next live stream?
• Best Nintendo Switch micro SD cards to buy
• How to charge Nintendo Switch controllers
• The best Nintendo Switch Lite games - take these on the go
• How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV

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