Will your Switch games work on Switch 2?

Switch 2 launched into a library of thousands of games, and the short answer is that your collection comes with you. The longer answer has three exceptions worth knowing before you buy anything.

Cartridges: yes

Physical Switch games play on Switch 2. They are also region-free, so a cartridge bought in Europe, the Gulf or anywhere else works on a console bought anywhere. The only thing to check is the language printed on the box.

Game-Key Cards: yes, but bring Wi-Fi

Some newer releases ship as a Game-Key Card. The cartridge holds a licence rather than the game, so the first time you insert it the console downloads the title. It plays offline after that, but the first run needs a connection — worth knowing before a flight or a long drive.

Your microSD card: no

This is the one that catches people out. Switch 2 stores games on microSD Express cards, which are a different standard. An ordinary microSD card from your old Switch will not hold Switch 2 games, however fast or large it is. Express cards are marked with an E on the front.

Cases and screen protectors: no

Switch 2 is physically larger, so nothing cut for the original Switch, the OLED or the Lite fits it. A glass protector for the wrong model will sit short of the edges.

Joy-Con: partly

Switch 2 Joy-Con attach magnetically rather than on a rail, so old Joy-Con do not slide on. They still pair wirelessly and work fine as controllers.

Browse the full Switch games catalogue or the wider Nintendo range. To check an accessory against the exact console you own, use LYNQ.