Certain Games from Switch 1 Face Performance Issues on Switch 2

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t quite as seamless with its predecessor’s library as fans might hope. Despite promoting backwards compatibility, 188 games from the original Switch lineup are already flagged for varying performance issues on the new console, attributed to everything from startup troubles to hardware mismatches.

For a gaming console to keep its stride for almost a decade is impressive, but Nintendo has managed just that with the Switch since 2017. This period saw the console hosting a barrage of hits, including beloved series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. So, naturally, when news broke that Switch 2 would support games from the original, fans breathed a sigh of relief. Yet, Nintendo was clear from the start—some titles might face hiccups.

Let’s unpack this a bit. As reported on April 1, a notable number of games from the first Switch era—specifically 141, featuring popular titles like Fortnite and NBA 2K25—struggle to even start on the Switch 2. While Fortnite enthusiasts might find peace knowing a Switch 2 version is underway, there’s still 47 more games, like Fall Guys and Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, that are playable but not without their own share of in-game glitches. Remember, this list isn’t set in stone. Nintendo anticipates things might change as testing progresses throughout April.

What also complicates this compatibility matrix are the hardware differences between the two consoles. Take games like Ring Fit Adventure or the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Kits—they were designed with the original Switch’s specific capabilities in mind. While the Toy-Con 04: VR Kit is a no-go on Switch 2, other accessories might work if paired with the first-gen Joy-Cons.

In contrast, some newer, powerhouse games that never hit the original Switch will finally grace the Switch 2. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring were confirmed for the Switch 2 in a recent Nintendo Direct livestream, giving players something enticing to anticipate.

All this goes to show that while Nintendo is pushing further into the next generation, the road there might have a few bumps and exciting turns.