Switch 2 Compatibility: How original Switch games run on Switch 2

The arrival of the successor to Nintendo's hybrid console isn't just about more power or a better screen, but about something that many gamers in Spain and the rest of Europe see as almost essential: How original Switch games behave on Switch 2Cross-generation compatibility has become a key factor in deciding whether to upgrade to the new console.

Firmware updates and stability: the foundation of compatibility

In the last months, Switch and Switch 2 updates 21.0.0 and 21.1.0 They have officially focused on “general stability improvements”, but behind that very generic description There are hidden changes that are relevant to the behavior of many games.

In public statements, Nintendo has only mentioned that these versions They improve system stability to provide a better user experience.This applies to both Switch and Switch 2. However, the updated compatibility lists after each patch show that these are not just minor revisions: several titles that previously had bugs or inconsistent performance have become fully playable on the new console.

The company has also had to deal with some scares. A few weeks ago, a previous firmware update was criticized by cause problems with certain third-party docks and accessories compatible with Switch 2Nintendo then stated that it had no intention of deliberately blocking legal compatibility for these devices, making it clear that The purpose of patches is to polish the system, not limit it..

This effort to stabilize the environment It arrives alongside major first-party releases, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Kirby: Air Riders, which is positioned as one of the benchmark titles for measuring the performance of Switch 2. Its release, accompanied by a good critical reception in media such as IGN Spain, also sets the bar for what is expected from now on in terms of technical quality.

Game lists: what works, what doesn't, and what's pending

With each new firmware version, the community and specialized portals update the status of games on Switch 2. Compatibility is not simply “yes” or “no”There are fully functional titles, others that can be played but have problems, and some that, for now, remain incompatible.

In the latest firmware update (21.1.0), numerous original Switch titles have been identified as now fully playable on its successor. These include games such as Blade of Darkness, Game Dev Story, Little Nightmares: Complete Edition or Streets of Rage 4, which are added to a list that also includes Miitopia, Resident Evil 4, Solid Void – Nature Puzzles, Sports Party, Moji Yuugi and Venture Towns.

These games join others that had already improved their performance after previous patches, such as those included in update 21.0.0. At that time, Nintendo had already highlighted that Performance and backward compatibility were increased for several titles, including NieR:Automata The End of YoRHa Edition, and that the idea was to continue refining the successor's catalog progressively.

The case of Resident Evil 4 and Miitopia is particularly striking. Both could be run on Switch 2, but suffered from annoying bugs or unpolished graphics. After the latest adjustments, the experience is more stable And the most obvious flaws have disappeared or been significantly reduced, reinforcing the feeling that Nintendo is reviewing each game individually to identify areas for improvement.

On the other hand, there are the titles that still present complications. Monster Hunter Stories is listed as “playable, but with problems”This is an intermediate state indicating that progress is possible, although with issues that may affect gameplay. Other games remain on the incompatible list until they receive a specific update or patch from the developer.

Nintendo continues to fix compatibility issues on Switch 2

The detailed classification that is updated in each firmware has revealed that Nintendo is actively working on the games that caused the most headaches on Switch 2In some cases, the problems were more cosmetic than gameplay-related, but they were still quite noticeable.

A clear example is Miitopia. The game ran without serious crashes, but it did have some issues. strange textures and graphical glitches which somewhat detracted from the experience. With the latest fixes, these issues have been mitigated, so the backwards compatible version is now closer to what is expected of a stable title on the new console.

Something similar has happened to other games like Little Nightmares: Complete Edition or Streets of Rage 4, which have seen how the system update It improved fluidity and reduced occasional errors.Although many of these fixes are not detailed in the official release notes, the practical result is a more consistent experience for those transferring their Switch library to Switch 2.

Nor do the warnings disappear completely. Nintendo has indicated, for example, that in In A Hat in Time, problems may occur when progressing through certain parts of the adventure.That mention makes it clear that there is a list of titles "pending review" that could receive patches in future firmware versions.

In any case, the trend is quite clear: Each new update adds more fully compatible or better-performing games.and gradually reduces conflicting cases. For European users with a large Switch collection, this is key before considering selling their old console or permanently migrating their save data.

Skyrim Anniversary Edition: an example of optimization for Switch 2

Within this context of compatibility and improved versions, one of the most discussed cases has been that of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch 2Bethesda's legendary RPG is making a comeback with a new version that takes advantage of the successor's hardware and is designed to make the jump from Switch as easy as possible.

For those who already owned the Anniversary Edition on the original console, Simply owning that edition is enough. to download the enhanced port and start playing on the new machine. If you only had the base game, you can purchase the Anniversary Update for 19,99 EurosThose who don't own Skyrim can opt for the complete Anniversary Edition package for 59,99 Euroswhich includes both the Switch and Switch 2 versions.

Bethesda has highlighted that players in the successor will enjoy Improved resolution, reduced loading times, optimized performance, and new control optionsThese include the use of Joy-Con 2 as if one of the controllers acted as a mouse, approaching what has been seen in other titles on the console such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

The port also retains the exclusive content that Nintendo users were already familiar with: The Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, and the Champion's TunicInspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Also still present is the Amiibo compatibilityTherefore, the crossover of universes that players of the original Switch already had is preserved.

In terms of content, the Anniversary Edition includes the base game along with the expansions Dawnguard, Dragonborn and Hearthfire, in addition to the improvements in quality of life accumulated over the years and access to Creation ClubThis section includes weapons, spells, dungeons, and other additions selected by the company. All of this is natively ported to the Switch 2, taking advantage of the console's greater power to deliver a more complete experience.

Red Dead Redemption and the transition of save data between consoles

Another case that clearly illustrates how the industry is approaching compatibility on Switch 2 is that of Red Dead RedemptionAfter initial rumors sparked by its ESRB rating, Rockstar's classic western landed natively on Nintendo's console with a version designed to take full advantage of current hardware, including the successor to the hybrid console.

Technical analyses, such as the one carried out by Digital FoundryThey suggest that the modern console editions are getting quite close to a high PC configurationIn the specific case of Switch 2, the most notable improvement is discussed compared to the Switch version released in 2023, with 60 frames per second, DLSS support, and mouse-like control compatibilityThis is especially interesting for those who prefer more precise aiming.

Rockstar's strategy with this relaunch also has a clear aspect of compatibility and value for the user. Those who already own the game on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, or the backward-compatible digital edition on Xbox One can upgrade at no additional cost. to the new version. In addition, the PlayStation 5 and PS4 versions are integrated into the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog on launch day, and on mobile devices, it can be played on iOS and Android at no extra cost with an active Netflix subscription.

Within the Nintendo ecosystem, one of the most relevant points is that Switch 2 users can continue their saved games from the previous consoleThis continuity of progress is essential for many European players, who are already accustomed to generational transitions not meaning starting from scratch in long-running titles.

Beyond the main story mode, the new version of Red Dead Redemption also includes the expansion Undead Nightmare and the additional content from the Game of the Year Edition, solidifying it as the most complete edition to date. All this without sacrificing access for those who had already played the game on previous platforms, which helps to alleviate any potential reluctance to pay for the same title again.

Meanwhile, rumors continue to circulate about the possible arrival of Red Dead Redemption 2 to Nintendo's new console, although there's no official confirmation yet. In any case, the way the first game's compatibility is being handled hints at how a future release of its sequel on Switch 2 might be approached.

Backwards compatibility, previous content, and player expectations

Looking at how playable game lists, firmware patches, and enhanced versions of veteran titles are being organized, it's clear that the Compatibility on Switch 2 is becoming one of the pillars of the consoleThe successor arrives with more power, a 120Hz OLED screen and performance improvements, but also with the promise that a good part of the original Switch library will continue to have a future.

For the average user, this translates into a very specific question: How many of my current games will I be able to continue enjoying on the new console, and under what conditions?Cases like Skyrim or Red Dead Redemption show that many companies are committed to making upgrades easier, even offering improved versions at no additional cost to those who already own certain editions.

The possibility of Maintain or migrate saved games from Switch to Switch 2This feature, present in some games, further smooths the transition. In a landscape where RPGs and sandbox games can accumulate tens or hundreds of hours of progress, this type of compatibility has become almost a requirement for the community.

At the same time, the fact that Nintendo continues correcting specific compatibility errors, improving performance, and adjusting graphical details In already released titles, it points to a long-term approach. It's not just about the cartridge starting up, but about the experience living up to the promise of more modern hardware.

With upcoming system updates and releases yet to come to the Switch 2 catalog, this list of compatible, enhanced, or pending games is expected to continue evolving. For those considering upgrading from the Switch in Spain and Europe, the message the market is sending is quite clear: The new console aims to be compatible with your current library, but also to make better use of it., combining backwards compatibility, technical improvements and a constant effort to polish the game-by-game experience.

Related article:

Nintendo Switch 2 Update 21.0.1: Key Fixes and Availability

Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.