Switch 2 Cartridges Shockingly Compatible with Switch 1

Nintendo Switch 2 fans have discovered that select game cartridges designed for the new console can also be played on the original Switch system. This backward compatibility feature allows players to insert Switch 2 Edition games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, into the original console, where they can access the standard version of the game. The Switch 2 Edition cartridges are packaged with both the original game and an upgrade for the newer console, letting users transition smoothly between systems. Additionally, while some titles require a purchase for the upgrade, Nintendo has also offered free upgrades for a variety of existing games on the Switch 2 platform.

Yes, some Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can be played on the original Switch, allowing players to access the standard version of the game even before upgrading to the new console.

The Nintendo Switch 2, launched in early June 2025, is the successor to the immensely popular Nintendo Switch. This new console aims to enhance gaming experiences with improved graphics and processing power while maintaining compatibility with a vast library of existing Switch titles. Nintendo's approach to cross-generation compatibility, similar to strategies used by Xbox, offers a unique benefit to gamers looking to upgrade gradually without leaving behind their existing game collections.