Looking to buy a Switch 2 but dreading having to buy a load of accessories again? Good news! Many of your old accessories will work just fine with Nintendo’s new console.
There are some omissions from this list, and some caveats to be mindful of with some more obscure accessories, but you’ll be able to carry many of your original Switch accessories forward to the new console.
Joy-Con
Your original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con will work just fine with the Nintendo Switch 2, though you’ll miss out on the “C” button which is used to access the new GameChat feature and do things like mute the Switch 2’s built-in microphone.
Older Joy-Con will only work wirelessly since the rail mechanism is different on the Switch 2. That also means that you won’t be able to power or charge your older Joy-Con with the Switch 2 console. You’ll either need to connect them to your old Switch or use a charging accessory instead.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con in Neon Green and Neon Pink
First-party Nintendo Joy-Con controllers in neon pink and neon green. Use the full range of features including motion controls, infrared sensor, and internal batteries to play however you want.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the best way to play your Switch in TV mode, while it’s docked. Though Nintendo is producing a new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller with a slightly different color scheme, you’ll be able to use the old controller with the Switch 2 just fine.
The new controller will cost $79.99, so that’s a whole Switch 2 game’s worth of money you’ve saved. If you’re feeling resourceful and aren’t too bothered about having a “C” button then you might want to keep an eye out for original Switch Pro Controllers going cheap to save some money.
Best Buy sells the Switch Pro controller for $10 less than the new one, while Amazon and Gamestop have refurbished models at a significant discount.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
As a first-party product, it should come as no surprise that the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offers incredible performance, an ergonomic design, and support for motion controls and HD rumble.
NES Controller
If you bought the NES Controller for use with original Nintendo Entertainment System games via the Nintendo Switch Online service, you’ll be pleased to hear that this controller will still work with Switch 2 hardware. As an aside, the whole emulated catalog (which the company now refers to as “Nintendo Classics”) will be carried forward.
Official Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controllers for Nintendo Switch
A pair of Nintendo Entertianment System controllers for use with emulated Nintendo Classics games.
SNES Controller
The same is true of Nintendo’s SNES controller, a wireless gamepad for Nintendo’s second major home console success. Depending on where you’re living, you can still buy these new in many places so pay no attention to the exorbitant prices on eBay.
Official Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) wireless controller
Enjoy enhanced Super NES games the way they’re meant to be played—using a full-size Super Nintendo Entertainment System style controller!
N64 Controller
You’ve probably spotted a trend, but pretty much every controller that corresponds with some sort of Nintendo Switch Online emulation catalog will be carried forward for the Switch 2, including the rather swanky N64 pad. You can get access to Nintendo 64 games with the pricier Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.
Switch N64 Controller
Make the most of your Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership with this official Nintendo 64 Switch controller!
SEGA Genesis Control Pad
SEGA’s Genesis controller, or Mega Drive controller if you live outside of the U.S., will also be coming along for the Switch 2 ride.
GameCube Controller Adapter
With the announcement that GameCube games are finally making their way onto the Switch 2 via the wonders of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, it’s time to dust off your original GameCube controllers since the GameCube Controller Adapter is Switch 2 compatible.
GameCube support will launch with three games: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. There’s also an optional CRT filter to get that old-school look. There are many other native Switch games that support GameCube controllers including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Pokken Tournament DX, and Smash Bros. Ultimate (of course).
Ring-Con Accessory (Some Compatibility)
While Nintendo has flat-out ruled that the Ring-Con accessory used for its fitness video game Ring Fit Adventure is not compatible with the larger Switch 2 Joy-Con, you can still play Ring Fit Adventure with the Ring Con on a Switch 2 as long as you use original Switch Joy-Con.
So if you already own the game and an older console, it will work on your Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility. It remains to be seen if Nintendo will start selling a new Ring-Con accessory (we might have to wait for Ring Fit Adventure 2 to see that one).
Ring Fit Adventure – Nintendo Switch
$75 $80 Save
$5
Grab your Ring-Con and embark on an epic fantasy RPG adventure where you make progress as you work out. Alternatively, jump straight into a quick workout with mini-games or custom routines.
Leg Strap Accessory (Some Compatibility)
The same is true of the Leg Strap accessory that Nintendo also bundled with copies of Switch Sports. As long as you use the old Nintendo Switch Joy-Con in the leg strap, there’s no reason you can’t continue using it.
There are plenty of examples of people “faking” the leg strap with tape or elastic, so who knows if you’ll be able to do the same with a Switch 2 Joy-Con or whether Nintendo will block it in software.
Nintendo Switch Sports – Nintendo Switch
$45 $50 Save
$5
Take on friends locally, online, or challenge strangers with six sports (and more coming after launch). Play tennis, badminton, volleyball, soccer, chambara, and bowling with full motion control support — no sensor bar required!
What About Third Party Accessories?
While it’s very possible that third-party controllers designed for the Switch from the likes of 8BitDo will work, these companies have yet to comment and confirm such compatibility. We’ll have to wait and see whether these controllers do indeed work with the Switch 2.
Considering the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller uses Hall Effect sticks and costs $30 less than Nintendo’s official offering, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G Controller
A wireless controller with Hall Effect joysticks, two back paddles, 2.4 GHz connectivity, and a charging dock. It can be customized through a PC app.
Everything Else Needs Switch 2 Versions
Unfortunately, there are some big omissions from this list. Notably, you won’t be able to use the old Switch charger to charge the Switch 2 console. Nintendo has also said that the HDMI 2.0b cable that comes with the original Switch is not compatible with the Switch 2, which suggests that the new console uses HDMI 2.1.
Lastly, your old microSD card won’t work in the new Switch either. The Switch 2 requires faster microSD Express cards (with capacities of up to 2TB currently supported).
Did you miss out on the Nintendo buzz? Catch up with our Switch 2 overview. Wondering if you should upgrade from your old console? We have five questions to help you decide.
