The Switch 2 is finally here, and so are its few launch titles. But while most Nintendo fans are wondering which games they can access on their shiny new Switch 2, a few are clinging to the past and pondering an entirely different question: “Can I play Switch 2 games on my original Switch console?”
Can I play Switch 2 games on my Switch 1?
Not all Switch 2 exclusives are, well, exclusive.
Image: Nintendo
Claire Lewis Claire is an RPG-loving lore nerdess. She’s spent roughly 1,000 hours (each) exploring Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, and will happily talk your ear off about either title. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found binging YouTube videos about obscure Japanese horror games from the early 2000s, praying in vain for a sequel to ABZÛ, or whining about The Sims.
The answer isn’t a resounding “No.” But it’s close.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a Breath Of The Wild situation where a major launch title is available on both a brand-new console and that console’s predecessor. And you can play most Switch titles on the Switch 2. But anyone who didn’t get in early with a pre-order, or held off camping out at their local retailer to get one at midnight, can’t play most Switch 2 titles on an original Switch.
But “most” is the operative word here — not every Switch 2 launch title is a Switch 2 exclusive.
Confused? Here’s a quick breakdown to clear things up. Prepare for some blunt disappointment and maybe a few surprises.
Can I play Mario Kart World on my Switch?
No.
Can I play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
No! Consider the not Switch 2 edition.
Can I play the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour on my Switch?
No, of course not. Now you’re just being ridiculous!
Can I play F-Zero GX on Nintendo Switch Online since I have the Expansion Pack for Switch?
That’s a fair question, but it’s a no.
Can I play that off-the-radar Unity game Survival Kids on Switch?
Can I play Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S?
No :(
Can I play Deltarune Chapters 1-4 on my Switch 1?
Wait… yes? Yes, actually! The successor to the ever-iconic Undertale launched alongside the Switch 2, but it can be played on the Switch as well, though note that you need to get the Switch 1 version of Deltarune to play across generations. (There are separate eShop listings for the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions of Deltarune.)
Sadly, there aren’t any other Switch 2 launch titles available to play on the original Switch. Still, if you’re looking to get in on the Switch 2 action but don’t have $500 to spare, you can fire up Deltarune Chapters 1-4 on your original Switch for only $24.99.
Update (June 10): We’ve clarified which version of Deltarune you’d need to buy to play across Switch generations.
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