The Compatibility of Nintendo Switch 2 with Original Switch Titles
In late November of the previous year, during a time when global events seemed to captivate little attention, Nintendo offered a fleeting glimpse into the future of its gaming console lineup, hinting at the backward compatibility of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 with games from its predecessor. However, as the year advanced, clarity revealed that the situation is far from straightforward. Nintendo has since indicated that while many titles from the original Switch are playable on the successor, several important considerations must be acknowledged.
Understanding the Emulation Process of Switch Games
In a recent update shared on their website and further elaborated during a discussion with developers, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 lacks any of the original Switch’s hardware components. This means that, unlike the Game Boy Advance’s compatibility with the Nintendo DS, the Switch 2 cannot run Switch titles “natively.” Instead, it employs a combination of enhanced hardware capability and software emulation, which simulates the functioning of original Switch games.
This solution introduces both potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, the increased power of the Switch 2 could lead to improvements for certain games, such as reduced loading times. However, complications arise when assessing the compatibility of various titles.
Unfortunately, not all games transition seamlessly to the new console. Nintendo assures that a substantial majority of Switch 1 games should function without complications, with select titles receiving free updates to enhance compatibility. Nevertheless, the company has identified issues with over 120 games, some of which will not launch at all. Titles like Doom: Eternal and Rocket League fall into this category, indicating that gamers relying heavily on these experiences may find it challenging to transition to the new console without patience as Nintendo resolves these issues.
Introducing Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
To navigate these compatibility difficulties, Nintendo is assessing its extensive library of Switch titles—more than 10,000 games—individually while also introducing refreshed versions of select titles explicitly designed for optimal performance on the Switch 2.
These Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will serve as enhanced adaptations of certain titles from the original platform, including notable entries like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Even upcoming releases, such as Pokémon Legenda: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, will also be featured in this upgraded format.
Upgrades for Switch 2 Edition titles will include enhanced graphics, higher resolutions, and smoother frame rates, along with additional content for games like Kirby and Mario Party. Furthermore, new control options will be available when applicable, as seen with the mouse controls for Metroid Prime 4.
It’s important to note, though, that acquiring these enhancements will require an additional fee. While players can insert their original Switch cartridges into the Switch 2, they will miss out on improvements unless they invest in the new edition. Instead, they will experience gameplay similar to what they had on the original Switch.
Fortunately, if one already owns a title on the original Switch, upgrade packages will be available at participating retailers or through the Nintendo eShop, allowing for a discounted transition to the Switch 2 Edition. However, purchasing the full-priced version is also an option. Moreover, it’s been confirmed that upgraded titles will still be playable on the original hardware, albeit without the enhancements native to the Switch 2 Edition. Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will also receive the upgraded Zelda titles at no extra cost as part of their subscription.
Playing Nintendo Switch 1 Titles on Switch 2
Now that the nuances of backward compatibility have been explored, let’s discuss how to enjoy original Switch games on the Switch 2.
The most straightforward method involves inserting a compatible physical game cartridge into your Switch 2, allowing seamless play as one would experience on the earlier console.
For those looking to transfer all game saves, Wi-Fi settings, parental controls, and digital titles to the Switch 2, a System Transfer can facilitate this process. Although specific guidelines for the transfer procedure have yet to be released, it promises an easy solution for moving nearly everything from one console to the other in a single step.
Lastly, an alternative approach is utilizing Virtual Game Cards. Set to launch in April, this feature will aggregate digital games into a new category on the Switch’s home screen, displayed as virtual cards. Users will be able to load games directly or choose the option to transfer them to any other consoles linked to their Nintendo accounts, allowing for a more granular transfer of titles from the original Switch to the Switch 2.
