By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
World of SoftwareWorld of SoftwareWorld of Software
  • News
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gaming
  • Videos
  • More
    • Gadget
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
Search
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
Reading: Will Your Nintendo Switch 1 Accessories Work With the Switch 2? It Depends
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
World of SoftwareWorld of Software
Font ResizerAa
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gadget
  • Gaming
  • Videos
Search
  • News
  • Software
  • Mobile
  • Computing
  • Gaming
  • Videos
  • More
    • Gadget
    • Web Stories
    • Trending
    • Press Release
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
World of Software > News > Will Your Nintendo Switch 1 Accessories Work With the Switch 2? It Depends
News

Will Your Nintendo Switch 1 Accessories Work With the Switch 2? It Depends

News Room
Last updated: 2025/04/05 at 4:46 AM
News Room Published 5 April 2025
Share
SHARE

After years of rumors, Nintendo finally revealed all the details about the Switch 2 this week, and it’s…confusing? I was pretty excited to tune into Wednesday’s Nintendo Direct, but I came out of it with many questions, particularly about game accessory compatibility.

The Switch 2 has its own Joy-Con and Pro Controllers, but what about the accessories I already own for my Switch 1? The ecosystems are largely the same, right? Yes, but there are caveats.


Can I Use My Switch 1 Controllers With Switch 2?

You likely have several gamepads for the first-gen Nintendo Switch. The good news is you can use them with the Switch 2. The Joy-Con controllers and Switch Pro Controller can be paired wirelessly with the new console.

(Credit: Will Greenwald)

While the Pro Controller can be connected to the Switch 2 dock via the USB charging cable, the Joy-Cons won’t be able to physically connect because they lack the magnets in the Switch 2. This likely applies to any third-party Joy-Con replacements as well. You’ll need a charging grip or charging station to juice them up. The Grip and Charging Grip for the Switch also won’t work with Switch 2 controls. And the Switch controllers don’t have the C button to access the new GameChat feature on the Switch 2, if that’s important to you.

If you own any of the retro controllers released by Nintendo, you’ll still be able to wirelessly connect them. The Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers can’t connect to the Switch 2, so you’ll need a charging accessory to power it. However, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, Nintendo 64 Controller, and Sega Genesis Control Pad can each be connected to the Switch 2 dock via a USB cable for charging.

Note that you’ll actually need Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch if you plan to play certain games on the Switch 2. Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, Everybody 1-2-Switch!, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Switch Sports, and WarioWare: Move It! all require Switch Joy-Cons. If you have the Leg Strap or Ring-Con accessories, they can’t be used with Switch 2 Joy-Cons.

switch leg strap

(Credit: Nintendo)


What Should I Do With the Switch Dock, Charger, and Cables?

The Nintendo Switch came with a Dock, AC adapter, and HDMI cable in the box. But don’t expect to reuse these accessories for a more adaptable Switch 2 setup. The Nintendo Switch Dock and Adjustable Charging Stand are not compatible with the new console.

Get Our Best Stories!


Newsletter Icon


Newsletter Icon

What’s New Now

Sign up for What’s New Now, your daily dose of the latest tech news, the best new products, and expert advice from the editors of PCMag.

By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

The HDMI cable that came with the Switch 1 also won’t be compatible with the Switch 2, since it can’t handle the data transfers of the new console. Instead, you’ll need a cable capable of supporting 4K or 1080p and up to 120fps.

There’s better news about the AC adapter. It can charge the console in handheld mode, but you won’t be able to connect it to the Switch 2 Dock and charge while in TV mode.

Recommended by Our Editors

switch dock

(Credit: Will Greenwald)


Can I Use My microSD Card?

The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, a huge improvement over the 32GB on the original. However, one of the biggest blows to your Switch setup is that the microSD card you bought to store games won’t work with the Switch 2. To transfer saved games, you’ll need to do a console-to-console data transfer.

If you want to expand the storage capacity of the Switch 2, you’ll need to buy a brand-new microSD card because the new system only works with microSD Express, which allows for faster reading and writing times. Right now, you can buy SanDisk microSD Express cards for $60 (256GB) and $45 (128GB).

For a complete rundown on accessory compatibility, see Nintendo’s documentation.

About Jason Cohen

Senior Editor, Help & How To

Jason Cohen

As PCMag’s editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.

Read Jason’s full bio

Read the latest from Jason Cohen

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Share
What do you think?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Sleepy0
Angry0
Dead0
Wink0
Previous Article MacRumors Giveaway: Win Custom Retro AirPods From ColorWare
Next Article NetEase Games set to introduce a new game at TGS 2023 · TechNode
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

248.1k Like
69.1k Follow
134k Pin
54.3k Follow

Latest News

Asus presents a PC for AI, Expertcenter Pro Et900n G3
Mobile
‘Landman’ season 2 release window revealed — here’s what we know so far
News
10 Best Product Launch Software for Successful Campaigns
Computing
Make the internet a safer place for the whole family with AdGuard, now A$25 for life
News

You Might also Like

News

‘Landman’ season 2 release window revealed — here’s what we know so far

4 Min Read
News

Make the internet a safer place for the whole family with AdGuard, now A$25 for life

2 Min Read
News

The Paper, Peacock’s sequel to The Office, debuts in September

2 Min Read
News

iOS 18.5 is out now

2 Min Read
//

World of Software is your one-stop website for the latest tech news and updates, follow us now to get the news that matters to you.

Quick Link

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Topics

  • Computing
  • Software
  • Press Release
  • Trending

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

World of SoftwareWorld of Software
Follow US
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. World of Software.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?