Nintendo’s Surprise Win: Switch 2 Cartridges That Work on Switch 1

In a twist that’s caught many Nintendo fans off guard, certain Switch 2 Edition game cartridges are compatible with the original Nintendo Switch. While it’s been widely understood that the new Switch 2 console supports backwards compatibility, this unexpected forward compatibility is raising eyebrows-and a few cheers.

The confusion stems from how Nintendo has quietly handled packaging and communication. If you try inserting a Switch 2-exclusive game like Mario Kart World into a Switch 1, you’ll get an error: the game won’t run. But if you insert a Switch 2 Edition of a game that originally launched on Switch 1-like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild-you’ll find that it actually works just fine.

So what’s happening here? The packaging holds the clue. It states: “This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comprises the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack.” That means these cartridges include both versions. The Switch 1 detects the base version and simply runs that.

This isn’t a new concept. Microsoft’s Xbox ecosystem already offers similar cross-generation flexibility, with smart delivery ensuring you get the right version of a game for your hardware. But Nintendo fans aren’t used to this level of cross-gen convenience-especially not when Nintendo has a reputation for being, well, Nintendo.

What makes this more complex is that Nintendo hasn’t been consistent. Some Switch 2 upgrades are free. Others cost anywhere from $9.99 to $19.99, depending on content and whether you have a Nintendo Online + Expansion Pass. For example, Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer $9.99 upgrade paths, while titles like Kirby or Super Mario Party Jamboree may require a full-price upgrade for new DLC content.

Adding to the chaos is Nintendo’s notorious communication strategy-or lack thereof. While the information has technically been available since early previews, most fans didn’t know, leading to widespread surprise online. As one commenter noted: “Media literacy is at an all-time low.”

Still, fans see opportunity here. If you’re planning to upgrade to Switch 2 down the line, buying Switch 2 Edition cartridges now gives you both versions-a future-proof strategy for players still rocking the original hardware.

Speculation is already swirling that this could mean the two systems aren’t all that different under the hood. Could hackers find a way to unlock full Switch 2 games on the original Switch? Only time-and the modding community-will tell.

One thing’s certain: Nintendo just made the transition to its next-gen console a little smoother for fans, whether intentionally or not.