Yes, you can play many older games on the Nintendo Switch—Nintendo loves a nostalgic throwback as much as anyone. The current and upcoming Switch models let players revisit favorites via backward compatibility, classic titles on Nintendo Switch Online, and even digital re-releases in the eShop. Just don’t expect every obscure accessory or cardboard contraption to work flawlessly—Nintendo Labo fans, you’ve been warned. Want to know which classics and physical cartridges will make the cut? There’s more below.
Even as the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on the scene, many gamers still have a soft spot (and a backlog) for their favorite Switch titles—after all, who wants to leave hundreds of hours in Animal Crossing behind?
The good news is, the Switch 2 is designed with backward compatibility in mind, so most physical and digital Switch games can tag along for the next-gen ride. Nintendo’s been clear: major hits like Super Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are fully functional on the new hardware, so there’s no need to panic about your hard-won islands or moons. Classic games from previous Nintendo consoles are also available to play on the Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, letting you revisit NES, SNES, and SEGA Genesis favorites alongside your Switch library. The Nintendo eShop offers many remastered editions and game collections that bring beloved classics to your modern console without complicated setups.
Switch 2 keeps your favorite Switch games alive, letting you relive adventures like Animal Crossing and Mario Odyssey without missing a beat
The physical side is simple—Switch 2 uses the same cartridge slot as the original, so you can pop your old games right in. There’s no region lock to worry about either, meaning your imports are safe.
Of course, there are some exceptions—Nintendo Labo’s Toy-Con VR Kit, for example, doesn’t play well with the new console thanks to hardware differences and, frankly, cardboard that just won’t fit. Some games relying on unique Joy-Con features like the IR Motion Camera or specific accessories such as the Ring-Con may have reduced functionality or compatibility issues on the Switch 2. A few other games relying on oddball peripherals might not make the cut, but so far, incompatibilities are the exception, not the rule.
Digital libraries transfer with a little more effort. You’ll need both the original Switch and the Switch 2 handy, plus your Nintendo Account. Most digital games and cloud saves come along for the ride, though some cloud features may require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Performance patches—think sharper graphics and snappier frame rates—are offered for select titles, with “Switch 2 Edition” releases getting the most love. If a transfer hiccups, just re-download the title directly to your new device.
Nintendo regularly updates three PDF lists that track startup issues, in-game bugs, and planned fixes for older titles. It’s worth a quick check before buying or transferring, just to avoid disappointment.
If something doesn’t work, Nintendo Support is always an option, though they can’t shrink a Labo kit to fit your shiny new hardware. So, while not every classic makes the leap, most of your Switch favorites are ready for round two—backlogs included.