Amid recent rumors and leaks of games and hardware specifications for Nintendo’s next console, the Japanese video game company officially introduced the Nintendo Switch’s successor, simply called theNintendo Switch 2, on January 16. In the brief two-minute-long trailer showcasing the Nintendo Switch 2, the new console is shown to feature a roughly eight-inch LCD screen, about two inches bigger than the standard Switch, and Joy-Cons that are several millimeters taller than the standard Switch’s. The trailer concluded with a statement that the console will be able to playNintendo Switch 2and original Switch games, save for a select few titles. Based on these sparse details, it can be hypothesized which games won’t work on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch Games and Accessories That May Be Incompatible With The Switch 2
Much like Nintendo consoles of old, the Nintendo Switch featured several games that were intended to work solely with its specifications. While most games can be played with standard Joy-Cons or pro controllers, some require the Joy-Cons to work in conjunction with accessories and other games allow players to use alternate controllers. One example of the latter isPokemon: Let’s Go Eevee!andPikachu!’s Poke Ball Plus. This Poke Ball shaped controller served as an alternate Joy-Con used to imitate throwing Poke Balls to catch Pokémon inLet’s Goand light up when near a Poke Stop or Pokemon inPokemon GO. However, the Poke Ball works only withLet’s Gogames and unknown software complications could make it difficult to connect to the Nintendo Switch 2.
One game that may not entirely work on the Nintendo Switch 2 isRing Fit Adventure. This fantastical exercise-focused game comes with two accessories: the Ring-Con and a leg strap. Both are used to house Joy-Cons for the game to interpret the player’s movements as they run around and squeeze and move the Ring-Con in its various game modes. While the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons may barely be able to fit inRing FitAdventure’s leg strap, they likely won’t be compatible with the Ring-Con. This accessory requires the right Joy-Con to be slid into it and, given the Switch 2 Joy-Cons’ larger size and seemingly magnetic pin connection, the Switch 2 Joy-Cons won’t fit in the Ring-Con, makingRing FitAdventureunplayable.
Issues With Nintendo Labo On The Nintendo Switch 2
In 2018, Nintendo released one of its more unique and experimental games ever seen in the form ofNintendo Labofor the Nintendo Switch. Based on its slogan of Make, Play, Discover,Labowas designed to make use of the Switch’s unique hardware combined with the seemingly infinite crafting ability of cardboard. Several kits forLabowere released providing instructions for players to build external accessories out of cardboard to play a variety of unique games, such as fishing, playing a piano, VR, and fighting like a giant robot. However, each of these cardboard designs were meant for the Switch’s unique screen and Joy-Con size, making it virtually impossible for the Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware to fit intoLabo’s cardboard kits.
Possible Fixes for Unusual Switch Games on Nintendo Switch 2
While the Poke Ball Plus,Ring Fit Adventure, andNintendo Labomay not be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon its immediate release, Nintendo could rectify these issues in many ways. In regard to the Poke Ball Plus, if it’s unable to connect to the Switch 2, Nintendo could release an updated version of the controller for the new console or release a new version of it alongside long-desiredJohto sequels to thePokemon: Let’s Gogames. Nintendo could also sell larger Ring-Cons to accommodate currentRing Fitplayers or release a sequel toRing Fit Adventurefor the Switch 2.Ring Fit Adventurehas sold over 15 million copies worldwide since 2019, so there is an active audience for exercise-focused Switch games.
Nintendo Labo’s current game mechanics and cardboard kits can’t be adapted to theNintendo Switch 2as easily as the Poke Ball orRing Fit Adventure. Instead, Nintendo could release aNintendo Labo 2or a spiritual successor toNintendo Labofor the upcoming console. WhileLabohasn’t sold as well asAdventure, selling over 1.3 million copies of its Variety Kit by 2020, it was critically praised for its creativity and won many awards, such as the 2019 Games for Change Game of the Year Award. ANintendo Labo 2for the Nintendo Switch 2could build on the original’s strengths and flaws and continue Nintendo’s legacy of unique, imaginative video games.
The only Nintendo game revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2 so far is a new, currently unnamed version ofMario Kart.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on Jul 27, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
