Switch 1 cartridges will not work on Switch 2

Nintendo Switch games sold as physical cartridges for the original Switch will not play on Switch 2. The new console uses a different cartridge format, and the two are not backwards compatible. This means you cannot insert a Switch 1 game cartridge into a Switch 2 and have it run.

However, your existing Switch 1 games are not lost. You have options depending on whether you own physical cartridges or digital copies, and whether you plan to keep your original Switch.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Switch cartridges are physically incompatible with Switch 2 and will not work in the new console's cartridge slot.
  • Digital games you purchased on your Switch 1 account may be playable on Switch 2 through account transfer, depending on Nintendo's final policies.
  • You can continue playing your physical cartridge collection on the original Switch even after Switch 2 releases.
  • If you want to play Switch 1 games on Switch 2, you will need to purchase them again as digital copies or wait to see if Nintendo offers a trade-in or upgrade program.

Why the cartridges are incompatible

The Switch 2 uses a new cartridge design that is physically larger and has different internal architecture than the original Switch cartridges. The cartridge slot itself is a different size and shape, so even if you tried to force an older cartridge in, it would not fit.

This is a common pattern with Nintendo hardware. The Game Boy Advance cartridges did not work on the Nintendo DS, and DS cartridges did not work on the 3DS, even though each new console was more powerful. The Switch 2 follows the same approach — it is a new generation with its own cartridge standard.

What happens to your digital games

If you purchased Switch 1 games as digital downloads tied to your Nintendo account, the situation is less clear. Nintendo has not yet announced whether digital games will transfer to Switch 2 or whether you will need to repurchase them.

Historically, Nintendo has allowed digital games to follow your account across hardware within the same generation. For example, games you bought on a Switch Lite could be played on a standard Switch using the same account. Whether this applies to the jump from Switch 1 to Switch 2 will depend on Nintendo's final decision, which they have not yet made public.

Keeping your original Switch for older games

The original Nintendo Switch will continue to work after Switch 2 releases. You can keep your Switch 1 and play your physical cartridge collection on it indefinitely. Nintendo will likely continue supporting the original console for a period of time, though online services and new game releases will eventually phase out.

Many households keep multiple Nintendo consoles for this reason. If you have a large library of physical Switch 1 games you want to play, holding onto the original hardware is the most straightforward option.

Repurchasing games for Switch 2

Publishers will release Switch 2 versions of popular games, and some may be new releases while others are ports of existing Switch 1 titles. If a game you own on Switch 1 is re-released for Switch 2, you will need to purchase it again as a separate product.

Nintendo has not announced whether they will offer discounts or trade-in programs for players who already own the Switch 1 version. Some third-party publishers may offer their own upgrade paths, but this will vary by company and game.

Physical vs. digital going forward

If you are deciding whether to buy new games on Switch 1 before Switch 2 releases, consider how you prefer to own games. Physical cartridges tie you to the original hardware, while digital copies may (or may not) transfer to the new console depending on Nintendo's policies.

If you plan to move to Switch 2 and want to play the same games, digital purchases offer more flexibility — assuming Nintendo allows account transfers. If you prefer physical media and want to keep playing on Switch 1, cartridges are a permanent solution that does not depend on future policy changes.

What you can do now

Before Switch 2 releases, check which of your games are physical cartridges and which are digital downloads. Make a note of any games you want to keep playing. If you own physical copies and want them on Switch 2, you will need to either repurchase them or keep your original Switch.

Watch for Nintendo's official announcement about digital game transfers. Once they clarify whether your digital library will move to Switch 2, you can make a more informed decision about which games to buy in physical or digital format during the transition period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Switch 1 cartridge in Switch 2 if I modify the console?

Modifying a console to play incompatible cartridges violates Nintendo's terms of service and may void your warranty. Even if technically possible through modification, it is not a supported or recommended approach. The cartridge formats are fundamentally different, and Nintendo does not provide tools or support for backwards compatibility.

Will Nintendo ever release an adapter to play Switch 1 cartridges on Switch 2?

Nintendo has not announced any adapter or backwards compatibility solution. Based on the company's history with previous console generations, an official adapter is unlikely. The cartridge slot design itself is different, making a simple adapter impractical.

If I buy a game digitally on Switch 1, can I play it on Switch 2?

Nintendo has not yet confirmed whether digital games will transfer to Switch 2. This is one of the most important questions for players with large digital libraries. Watch for an official announcement from Nintendo before the console releases, as this will determine whether you should prioritize digital or physical purchases during the transition.

What should I do with my physical Switch 1 cartridges?

You can keep them and continue playing on your original Switch, sell them to recoup some cost, or trade them in at retailers that accept used games. Some games may hold their value better than others depending on demand. If you think you might want to replay them, keeping the cartridges and the original hardware is the most reliable option.

Are there any Switch 1 games that will be exclusive to the original console?

Some games may never be ported to Switch 2, particularly smaller indie titles or games with licensing issues. If a game is important to you and you are unsure whether it will come to Switch 2, keeping your original Switch ensures you can always play it.