Switch Games That Don’t Work on Switch 2

As of the Switch 2’s release, a small but notable list of Nintendo Switch games are not playable on the new console, either due to hardware incompatibility or the publisher’s choice not to enable backward compatibility. This article lists the confirmed problematic titles, explains why they fail, and tells you what to do if you own one.

The Confirmed Incompatible Games

Nintendo has officially stated that the vast majority of Switch games will run on Switch 2, but a handful have known issues. Based on the company’s own compatibility list and early user reports, these are the biggest titles that currently do not work:

Nintendo Labo (all kits) – The cardboard peripherals rely on the original Joy-Con’s IR camera and the console’s shape; the Switch 2’s larger body and different Joy-Con design make the kits unusable.
Ring Fit Adventure – The Ring-Con and leg strap require the original Joy-Con’s specific rail and the console’s tabletop mode dimensions; the game will launch but cannot be played properly.
1-2-Switch – Uses the original Joy-Con’s IR motion camera and HD rumble in ways that the new Joy-Con 2 does not fully support.
Fitness Boxing and Fitness Boxing 2 – These rely on the original Joy-Con’s accelerometer calibration; early reports indicate tracking is inaccurate on the new hardware.
Super Mario Party – The game uses the Joy-Con as a dice-rolling controller in handheld mode; the Switch 2’s larger size and new Joy-Con layout cause the game to crash or fail to register inputs.
Just Dance 2023 and 2024 – These require a smartphone app for tracking, but the Switch 2’s Bluetooth stack conflicts with the game’s connection, causing the game to freeze.

Nintendo has said it will continue to update the compatibility list, so this is not a permanent state for all games.

Why Some Games Fail

The Switch 2 is designed to be backward compatible, but it is not a perfect clone of the original hardware. The main reasons a game might not work are:

Physical peripherals: Games that depend on the original Joy-Con’s IR camera, HD rumble, or the console’s exact dimensions (like Labo) cannot work because the new Joy-Con 2 has a different shape and the console is larger.
Software emulation: The Switch 2 does not emulate the original Switch; it runs games natively, but some games use low-level hardware features that the new chipset handles differently. This can cause crashes or graphical glitches.
Publisher decisions: A publisher can choose to block a game from running on Switch 2, usually to push a remaster or because they don’t want to support the older version. For example, NBA 2K25 is not playable on Switch 2 even though it is a standard Switch game.

Nintendo has not released a full list of incompatible games, but they have a support page where you can check specific titles.

How to Check Before You Buy

If you are buying a used Switch game or want to know if your current library will work, here is what you can do:

Go to Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Compatibility page (search for it on their support site).
Search for the game by title. The page will show one of three statuses: Playable, Playable with issues, or Not playable.
If the game is not on the list, assume it is playable, but check for updates. Some games have received patches to fix compatibility.
For physical cartridges, the Switch 2 has a slot that accepts both Switch and Switch 2 cartridges, so you can test it yourself.

Remember that digital games you own from the eShop will appear in your library on Switch 2, but they may still have issues if they are on the incompatible list.

What “Playable with Issues” Means

Some games are not completely broken but have noticeable problems. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild runs at a higher resolution on Switch 2, but some users report occasional audio stuttering. Splatoon 3 has a known issue where the motion controls feel less responsive. These are not deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing about.

Nintendo has said they will work with developers to patch these issues, but not all games will get updates. Older games are less likely to be patched than popular titles.

What to Do If a Game Doesn’t Work

If you insert a cartridge or launch a digital game and it fails, here are your options:

Check for a system update: Go to System Settings > System > System Update. Sometimes a new firmware fixes compatibility.
Check for a game update: Highlight the game icon, press +, and select “Software Update.”
Contact the publisher: For third-party games, the publisher is responsible for patches. Nintendo’s support can’t force them.
Play it on the original Switch: If you still have your old console, the game will work there. You can also trade it in or sell it.
Request a refund: If you bought a digital game that is not compatible, Nintendo’s refund policy is limited, but you can contact support and explain the situation. They have made exceptions for incompatible games.

Do not try to mod your console or use unofficial emulators; that violates the terms of service and can brick your system.

Comparison with Other Consoles

Nintendo’s approach to backward compatibility is more generous than Sony’s (PS5 does not play all PS3 games) but less comprehensive than Microsoft’s (Xbox Series X plays almost all Xbox One games). The Switch 2’s compatibility rate is estimated at over 90% of the Switch library, which is good, but the exceptions are frustrating because they are often first-party games that fans expected to work.

For comparison, the Wii U could play all Wii games, but the Switch could not play any Wii U discs. The Switch 2 is a step forward, but the peripheral-based games are a unique problem that no other console has faced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my physical Switch games work on Switch 2?

Most will. You can insert the cartridge into the Switch 2’s slot, and it will play like a normal game. However, games on the incompatible list (like Labo) will not run, and some games may require a day-one patch to work correctly.

Can I play Nintendo Labo on Switch 2?

No. The Labo kits are designed for the original Switch’s dimensions and Joy-Con. The Switch 2 is bigger, and the Joy-Con 2 has a different shape, so the cardboard constructions won’t fit. Nintendo has confirmed Labo is not supported.

Does Ring Fit Adventure work on Switch 2?

Technically, the game will launch, but the Ring-Con and leg strap will not function correctly because they rely on the original Joy-Con’s rail and the console’s size. You can’t play it properly, so it’s effectively not compatible.

Why does Super Mario Party crash on Switch 2?

The game uses the Joy-Con’s motion controls in a way that the new Joy-Con 2 does not handle the same way. Nintendo has not released a patch, so the game is currently unplayable. A remastered version, Super Mario Party Jamboree, is available for Switch 2.

Will Nintendo fix these games with updates?

Nintendo has said they will work with developers to address compatibility issues, but they have not promised fixes for every game. Some games, like Labo, are physically impossible to fix. Others may get patches, but it’s not guaranteed.

Can I get a refund for a digital game that doesn’t work on Switch 2?

Nintendo’s refund policy is strict, but if a game is confirmed incompatible, you can contact Nintendo Support and request a refund. They have granted refunds in some cases, but it’s not automatic. You should be prepared to provide your purchase receipt.

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