If you’ve been following Nintendo hardware rumors like I have, you already know how much weight “backward compatibility” carries for longtime fans. The Switch 2, officially arriving on June 5, finally has the details out: yes, it’ll play your old Switch games… mostly. But after digging into Nintendo’s newly published compatibility lists, I’m convinced this is one launch that’s going to be more complicated than the marketing would have you believe.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Release Date | 2024-06-05 |
| Genres | Hybrid Console, Handheld, Family, Action, Adventure |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch 2 |
This announcement caught my attention because, let’s be honest, backward compatibility is one of those features that can make or break a new console—especially when you’ve sunk time (and money) into a giant digital library. If you’re like me, you want to know if your favorite games and quirky accessories will actually work, or if you’re about to face some unwelcome surprises. Nintendo’s new lists reveal a more nuanced reality than the “play everything you love” pitch.
Let’s break down what Nintendo is actually offering. The company released three separate PDFs: one for games that won’t launch at all, another for games with in-game issues even if they start up, and a third for titles that will need a patch to be playable on Switch 2. There’s also a web page listing all the Labo software and accessories—plus several games—that won’t work with the new Joy-Cons or, in some cases, at all.
The list of games that simply refuse to boot on Switch 2 is longer than you might expect, with everything from “Dead by Daylight” and “NieR Automata” to “Rocket League” and even “YouTube” making an appearance. For some, this is a dealbreaker: if you’re invested in digital versions of these titles, you’re now at the mercy of future patches—or worse, you might be out of luck entirely. The “in-game issues” list is equally concerning, with titles like “Alan Wake Remastered,” “Fall Guys,” and “Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection” flagged for potentially game-breaking bugs or performance hiccups.
What stings even more is the fate of Nintendo Labo and family-centric party games. Labo kits, those creative cardboard accessories that delighted kids and tinkerers, are largely dead on arrival. Certain Joy-Con-dependent games (like “Ring Fit Adventure” and “WarioWare: Move It!”) also won’t work with the new hardware—unless you hang onto your old controllers, which feels like a half-measure at best. And forget about using Switch 2 for streaming Crunchyroll or Hulu at launch; several non-gaming apps just won’t make the jump.
Now, to be fair, over 15,000 games will run without a hitch. That’s a massive win for preservation—especially compared to the messy backward compatibility we’ve seen from Sony and Microsoft in the past. But Nintendo’s selective approach still feels like a rough compromise for anyone hoping the Switch 2 would be the ultimate all-in-one Nintendo device. And let’s not ignore the cost: at nearly €470 (or €510 for the Mario Kart pack), Switch 2 is hardly an impulse buy, and the idea of losing access to favorite titles or beloved accessories does take the shine off.
For context, Nintendo’s track record here has always been a little spotty. DS to 3DS was fairly smooth; Wii U to Switch, not so much. This time, Nintendo’s making the transition as painless as possible for most mainstream releases—but they’re clearly prioritizing popular, big-ticket games over niche indies or quirky peripherals. If you’re a Labo enthusiast or a fan of digital oddities, you’re on notice.
Why does this matter for the average gamer? Because it’s a reminder that “backward compatibility” is never as simple as it sounds. Yes, the Switch 2 will run most of your library, but now there’s more homework than ever: double-check those lists, keep your old Joy-Cons, and don’t toss your Switch just yet if you love lesser-known gems. The launch hype is real, but so are the headaches for anyone on the fringes of Nintendo’s target market.
TL;DR: The Switch 2 is shaping up as a strong successor with impressive support for legacy titles, but Nintendo’s lists reveal that “backward compatibility” has plenty of asterisks. For most gamers, your favorites will work day one—but niche games, Labo kits, and certain accessories are getting left behind. My advice: enjoy the upgrade, but don’t believe the marketing gloss about a seamless transition. For the true completionists out there, keep your old Switch plugged in—at least for now.
Source: Nintendo via GamesPress