Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 now offers near-universal compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch software, following a significant round of internal testing. The company reports that approximately 97.6 percent of all tested titles have no known issues when run on the new console. However, a small yet noteworthy percentage of games either do not function properly or are entirely unusable on the updated hardware.
The compatibility data, based on an updated list shared by Nintendo for launch day on June 5, 2025, breaks down the state of software support on the Switch 2. Out of roughly 15,122 tested applications, only six titles were deemed entirely non-functional, largely due to hardware limitations or lack of app support. These include services like Hulu, Crunchyroll, and InkyPen, as well as the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, which is physically incompatible with the new system’s form factor.
More pressing, however, is the category of titles that either prevent progress or fail to start altogether. Currently, 162 games (around 1.07 percent) fall into this category. Some of the affected titles are high-profile releases, such as Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition, NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, and Overwatch 2.
Another 185 games, or 1.22 percent, had previously experienced issues but have either been resolved or are on track for future patches. In addition, 10 titles require the original Joy-Con (referred to as “JoyCon 1”) due to specific control schemes or peripheral dependencies.
The list of non-functional or problematic software includes a variety of game types and genres. From visual novels and adventure games like Library of Ruina and Amanda the Adventurer, to multiplayer titles such as Gang Beasts and Warface: Clutch, the scope of impact appears to touch many corners of the Switch software ecosystem.
Nintendo’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition between console generations are clear in their extensive testing. Over 97% of titles work without issues, giving the Switch 2 one of the strongest backward compatibility records among recent console launches. However, some games still face technical problems or cannot run at all, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between Nintendo and third-party developers.
Nintendo has confirmed it will address these issues where possible, either through firmware updates or by working with publishers to release patches. That said, some functionality—especially in older or region-specific games—may remain limited due to technical constraints or hardware requirements.
Launched globally on June 5, the Switch 2 builds on Nintendo’s hybrid design while introducing performance upgrades to future-proof the platform. As developers adjust to the new hardware, compatibility and support will likely remain a priority in the coming months.
