Compatibility of Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Information about which Nintendo Switch software, accessories and features are able to be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
In addition to exclusive software, accessories and features, Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with many Nintendo Switch products and features. Learn more below:
In addition to Nintendo Switch 2 games, Nintendo Switch 2 consoles can be used to play compatible physical and digital games released on the Nintendo Switch console. Some Nintendo Switch games also offer free updates or paid upgrades that bring additional content or improved performance when the game is played on Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 console's hardware is different from the Nintendo Switch console's, and some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported by or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
For details on compatibility testing and a list of games with unique compatibility requirements, more information is available here.
Joy-Con controllers | Compatible | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Cannot be attached to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. A Nintendo Switch console or licensed accessory such as a Joy-Con charging grip or Joy-Con charging stand (two-way) is required for charging. |
|---|---|---|
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Compatible | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable. |
Nintendo Entertainment System Controller | Compatible* | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Cannot be attached to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. A Nintendo Switch console or licensed accessory such as a Joy-Con charging grip or Joy-Con charging stand (two-way) is required for charging. • *Works with compatible games. |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller | Compatible* | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable. • *Works with compatible games. |
Nintendo 64 Controller | Compatible* | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable. • *Works with compatible games. |
SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad | Compatible* | • Can be used by pairing wirelessly to a Nintendo Switch 2 console. • Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable. • *Works with compatible games. |
Nintendo Switch Stylus | Compatible | • Can be used with Nintendo Switch 2. |
Adjustable Charging Stand for Nintendo Switch | Not Compatible | • Can't be used with Nintendo Switch 2. |
Nintendo Switch Dock | Not Compatible | • The Nintendo Switch dock is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. |
Nintendo Switch AC adapter | Some Compatibility | • Due to the differing power output, it is not possible to use a Nintendo Switch 2 console in TV mode using this adapter. • It is possible to charge a Nintendo Switch 2 console when plugged in directly. |
HDMI cable included with the Nintendo Switch console | Not Compatible | • It is not compatible as the HDMI cable standards differ. • In order to maximise the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 console, please use the HDMI cable included with the console. |
microSD cards | Not Compatible | • Nintendo Switch 2 is designed exclusively for use with microSD Express cards, which allow for faster data transfer compared to the conventional microSD card. • It is only possible to use a microSD card to view or import screenshots/videos captured on a Nintendo Switch console. For more information, see MicroSD Card and MicroSD Express Card Compatibility. |
Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter | Compatible | • This accessory can be used in TV mode by connecting it to a USB port on the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. |
Joy-Con Strap | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Joy-Con Grip | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Joy-Con Charging Grip | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Joy-Con Wheel | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Leg Strap | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *When playing on a Nintendo Switch 2 console, the leg strap can be used with Nintendo Switch Sports by connecting Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers wirelessly. |
Ring-Con | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *When playing on a Nintendo Switch 2 console, the Ring-Con designed for use with Ring Fit Adventure can be used by connecting Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers wirelessly. |
Joy-Con AA Battery Pack Pair | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Joy-Con Charging Stand (Two-Way) | Not Compatible* | • Cannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • *Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. |
Nintendo Accounts and the online features offered through the Nintendo Account service can be used on Nintendo Switch 2. By linking your Nintendo Account to a user on your Nintendo Switch 2 console, you will have access to Nintendo eShop, downloadable software, virtual game cards and more.
Users and linked Nintendo Accounts can also be transferred from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch 2 features games exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 as well as compatible games available on Nintendo Switch.
Any Nintendo eShop funds you have will be shared across any Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch consoles that your Nintendo Account is linked to. Nintendo eShop Cards and compatible software download codes can be redeemed on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
It is also possible to purchase both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch digital software on My Nintendo Store.
Features and benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online membership are available on any Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console you have linked your Nintendo Account to, so you can continue to use your existing Nintendo Switch Online membership. Some features are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, such as the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library of games.
Nintendo Switch Online membership codes can be redeemed on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
You can use virtual game cards to manage your compatible digital games and downloadable content across two Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles at a time. A Nintendo Switch 2 console can be linked to a Nintendo Switch console so that virtual game cards can be loaded on and ejected from one or the other.
Compatible virtual game cards can also be lent to or from Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch consoles with members of your family group.
For more information, see our Virtual Game Card Guide.
With a Nintendo Switch 2 console, you can use GameShare to share supported games with friends and family, even if they don't have the games. Nintendo Switch 2 consoles can be used to share compatible games with anyone who has a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console, but Nintendo Switch consoles can only be used to receive games shared locally by a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
For more information, see What is GameShare?
Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app, which helps you maintain a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience, can be used with Nintendo Switch 2 as well.
Just like on Nintendo Switch, you can check up on your child’s gameplay time and see what they’ve been playing. There are some new Parental Controls options available for Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, including Parental Controls related to GameChat. You can approve friends for your child to chat with, restrict the use of video chat and more.
The Nintendo Switch App can be used alongside Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles to access game-specific services, view your online friends and get even more out of online play.
Some features of the Nintendo Switch App are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, including the ability to upload screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and the option to use ZELDA NOTES for the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.