Nintendo warns ‘certain Nintendo Switch games’ may not be supported on Switch 2

Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 console today, but the company confirmed few technical details. One of the things Nintendo did quickly confirm was the addition of backwards compatibility, meaning Switch 1 games will work on Switch 2. However, there will be some exceptions. 

While the Switch 2 will play new Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as the majority of the original Nintendo Switch library, not every game will be supported. Nintendo warns on its website that “certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2”.

While that sentence could spark concern, the majority of Switch titles will be supported. As VGC points out, the main games likely to be deemed ‘incompatible' are going to be titles that rely on bespoke peripherals. The Nintendo Labo is a perfect example. Labo shipped with foldable cardboard peripherals designed to fit around the original Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons. The Switch 2 will have a larger screen and larger Joy-Con controllers, meaning that Labo is unlikely to work with the new Switch model.

Microsoft has a similar backwards compatibility clause with the Xbox Series X/S. While the current-gen console is compatible with the majority of Xbox One games, titles that require the Kinect sensor do not function, as the Xbox Series X/S does not support the Kinect.

With that in mind, most can expect that their entire Switch libraries will carry over to the Switch 2 generation. However, if you have a game that requires a specific peripheral, like the Nintendo Labo, then those titles may only work on the older Switch, simply due to changes in hardware dimensions. It is unclear if other features, like Gyro control, will still work on the Switch 2, as Nintendo still needs to confirm a number of technical details about the console, as well as the initial launch line-up of games.

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KitGuru Says: Are you planning on upgrading to the Switch 2 later this year? 

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