Certain Switch 1 Games Face Compatibility Issues on Switch 2

It looks like the Nintendo Switch 2 is introducing some speed bumps for fans eager to play their old favorites on the new console. While Nintendo has tried to maintain backward compatibility with older Switch games, a significant chunk of these titles are experiencing compatibility issues on the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 has inherited a pretty long history of gaming since the original Switch has been the heart of many gamers’ collections since its 2017 debut. Having delivered top-notch experiences from franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, the Switch’s nearly decade-long run was a golden age for Nintendo. So, fans were naturally delighted with the reassurance that the Switch 2 would support games from its predecessor. That said, Nintendo was upfront about the possibility of some games missing out, and now they’re shedding light on which titles are facing trouble.

By early April, Nintendo’s compatibility tests highlighted 188 games that don’t quite gel with the Switch 2. Among these, 141 titles, notable mentions being Fortnite, Doom Eternal, NBA 2K25, Rocket League, and Warframe, hit startup snags on the new console. Notably, though, Nintendo has plans to release a dedicated Switch 2 version for Fortnite. In addition, 47 games, including Alan Wake: Remastered, Alien: Isolation, Fall Guys, Mega Man Legacy Collection, and Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, are functional but exhibit in-game compatibility hiccups. Nintendo emphasizes that this is a tentative list and expects some adjustments as more testing occurs.

There are also some hardware-induced hurdles. Certain original Switch games such as Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, and Nintendo Switch Sports aren’t compatible with the Switch 2. This list extends to some of the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Kits, though these can still function with the new console if you have the old Switch Joy-Cons handy.

Meanwhile, Nintendo has been making strides in upgrading their game library with some heavy hitters that never made it to the original Switch, like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Final Fantasy 7: Remake Intergrade. These titles are set to arrive on the Switch 2, promising a more powerful experience, as revealed in the Nintendo Direct event in April.

The Switch 2 itself boasts some cool specs, including a 256GB internal storage with room for expansion via MicroSD, resolution capabilities of 1080p in handheld mode, 4K when docked, and access to the Nintendo eShop. It’s shaping up to be a formidable successor, even if some older games face a rocky start on it.