Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to launch soon, and while it boasts a small selection of new releases, gamers can look forward to playing their existing library of Switch games during the initial months. The company has pledged robust backward compatibility, but thorough testing of over 15,000 third-party Switch games is still underway. As the launch date approaches, Nintendo has provided updates on its compatibility support page, reflecting nearly two months of extensive testing.
According to Nintendo, approximately two-thirds of the tested third-party Switch games exhibit either no compatibility issues or minor problems that can be resolved quickly at or post-launch. Previously, Nintendo had only completed basic compatibility testing on about 20 percent of the total third-party titles. The company has reassured fans that nearly all of the remaining 5,000 Switch games are expected to run smoothly on the Switch 2, although further testing is still in progress.
While the support page does not specify when the next update will be released, Nintendo has also shared PDF documents that detail individual game compatibility. These documents highlight games that will not launch, those that start but face other issues, and titles with problems that are anticipated to be resolved by launch or shortly thereafter.
In terms of first-party Nintendo games, nearly all 122 titles are confirmed to operate seamlessly on the Switch 2. The only notable exceptions are the Nintendo Labo cardboard kits, which were specifically designed around the original Switch's physical dimensions. Additionally, certain games that utilize original Joy-Con features will require players to connect an external Joy-Con to the Switch 2 for full functionality.
To enhance the gaming experience, Nintendo is not only offering paid Switch 2 upgrade packs that introduce extra content and graphical improvements but also several free updates for existing Switch games. These updates will incorporate features specific to the Switch 2 and optimize game performance on the new console. Third-party developers are also expected to provide similar updates for their titles.
Nintendo has revealed that its approach to backward compatibility lies somewhere between a software emulator and hardware compatibility. This method allows original Switch games to run on the Switch 2 hardware through a novel code translation process. This technique is somewhat comparable to how Valve enables Windows PC games to function on the Linux-based Steam Deck, thus minimizing the performance overhead associated with traditional emulation.
As the gaming community eagerly embraces the new console, there are concerns regarding non-gaming applications. Nintendo appears to be moving away from supporting video-streaming and non-game media apps on the Switch 2. Popular applications such as Hulu, Crunchyroll, InkyPen, Abema, and Niconico from the original Switch will not be compatible with the new system. This decision indicates a lack of future software updates for these applications on the Switch 2.
Historically, Nintendo has not positioned the Switch as a multimedia device in the same vein as the PlayStation or Xbox. Many televisions connected to the Switch can access streaming services through built-in apps or external devices, such as cable boxes or dedicated streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that, as we move into 2025, a tablet-like device would entirely forgo support for this category of media-streaming applications.
As Nintendo gears up for the launch of the Switch 2, the emphasis remains firmly on delivering a strong gaming experience through backward compatibility and performance-enhancing updates. While the absence of media streaming apps may disappoint some users, the focus on gaming and compatibility suggests that Nintendo aims to cater primarily to its core audience of gamers.
