Why these Nintendo Switch games likely won't be compatible with Switch 2

Amidst the recent rumors and leaks of games and hardware specs for Nintendo's next console, the Japanese video game company officially introduced the Nintendo Switch's successor, simply called Nintendo Switch 2on January 16. In the short two-minute trailer showing off the Nintendo Switch 2, the new console is shown with a roughly eight-inch LCD screen, roughly two inches larger than the standard Switch, and Joy-Cons that are several millimeters taller than the standard Switch's. The trailer ended with a statement that the console will be able to play Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch games, with the exception of a select few titles. Based on these sparse details, it can be assumed which games will not work on Nintendo Switch 2.

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What game will make you buy a Nintendo Switch 2?

I know a new Legend of Zelda is easily years away, but the promise of a new Zelda exclusive to the Switch 2 would have me buying it ASAP.

Nintendo Switch games and accessories that may be incompatible with Switch 2

Much like old Nintendo consoles, the Nintendo Switch featured several games that were meant to work only with its specifications. While most games can be played with regular Joy-Cons or pro controllers, some require the Joy-Cons to work with accessories and other games allow players to use alternative controllers. An example of the latter is Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee! and Pikachu!'s Poke Ball Plus. This Poke Ball-shaped controller acted as an alternate Joy-Con used to imitate throwing Poke Balls to catch Pokemon in Let's go and lights up when you are near a Poke Stop or Pokemon in Pokémon GO. However, the Poke Ball only works with Let's go games and unknown software complications can make it difficult to connect to Nintendo Switch 2.

One game that may not fully work on the Nintendo Switch 2 is Call Fit Adventure. This great exercise-focused game comes with two accessories: the Ring-Con and a leg strap. Both are used to house the Joy-Cons for the game to interpret the player's movements as they run around and squeeze and move the Ring-Con in its various game modes. While the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Cons may barely fit Ring fit Adventureleg strap, they will likely not be compatible with the Ring-Con. This accessory requires the correct Joy-Con to be slid into it and given the Switch 2 Joy-Con's larger size and seemingly magnetic pin connection, the Switch 2 Joy-Cons do not fit into the Ring-Con, making Ring fit Adventure unplayable.

Problems with Nintendo Labo on Nintendo Switch 2

In 2018, Nintendo released one of its more unique and experimental games ever seen in the form of Nintendo Labo for Nintendo Switch. Based on its slogan Make, Play, Discover, Lab was designed to utilize the Switch's unique hardware combined with cardboard's seemingly endless craftsmanship. Several kits for Lab was released with instructions for players to build external accessories out of cardboard to play a variety of unique games, such as fishing, playing the piano, VR, and fighting as a giant robot. However, each of these cardboard designs were intended for the Switch's unique screen and Joy-Con size, making it virtually impossible for the Nintendo Switch 2's hardware to fit inside Labs carton kits.

Possible fixes for unusual Switch games on Nintendo Switch 2

While Poke Ball Plus, Call Fit Adventureand Nintendo Labo may not be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 when it is released immediately, Nintendo could address these issues in many ways. As for the Poke Ball Plus, if it can't connect to the Switch 2, Nintendo could release an updated version of the controller for the new console or release a new version of it along with long-awaited Johto sequels to Pokemon: Let's Go game. Nintendo could also sell larger Ring-Cons to handle power Ring fit player or release another sequel Call Fit Adventure for Switch 2. Call Fit Adventure has sold over 15 million copies worldwide since 2019, so there's an active audience for exercise-focused Switch games.

Nintendo Labos current game mechanics and cardboard kits cannot be adapted to Nintendo Switch 2 as easy as Poke Ball or Call Fit Adventure. Instead, Nintendo could release one Nintendo Labo 2 or a spiritual successor to Nintendo Labo for the upcoming console. While Lab haven't sold as well Adventurewhich sold over 1.3 million copies of its Variety Kit by 2020, received critical acclaim for its creativity and won many awards, such as the 2019 Games for Change Game of the Year Award. A Nintendo Labo 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 could build on the strengths and weaknesses of the original and continue Nintendo's legacy of unique, imaginative video games.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to the Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full disclosure is scheduled for April 2, 2025.

Stamp

Nintendo

Original release date

2025-00-00