So you just picked up a Switch 2 game and thought, “Hey, what happens if I pop this into my old Switch 1?”
Well, if it’s a Switch 2-only game like Mario Kart World, your original Switch will politely tell you, “Nope.” You’ll see a message saying the software is designed for Switch 2 and won’t load. Game over.
But here’s the surprise: Some Switch 2 Edition cartridges actually do work on Switch 1—and people are just now figuring out how and why.
🎮 Wait, What Works and What Doesn’t?
Let’s break it down:
- Switch 2-exclusive games (like Mario Kart World) do not run on Switch 1. No way around it.
- But Switch 2 Edition versions of cross-gen games (like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)? They do run on Switch 1—as the original Switch 1 version of the game.
That means if you pick up a Switch 2 Edition cartridge of a game that’s available on both consoles, your Switch 1 will just boot up the OG version like nothing’s changed.
📦 What Does the Box Say?
Look closely and you’ll see a little line on Switch 2 Edition packaging:
“This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comprises the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack.”
Translation? The cartridge contains both the original game and the Switch 2 upgrade. Your console just uses whatever version it can support.
🧠 But Why Is This Cool?
If you’re still rocking a Switch 1 but plan to upgrade later, this is great news. You can buy the Switch 2 Edition now, play the game on your current system, and get the upgraded version later when you finally make the jump to Switch 2. No double-dipping required (unless Nintendo decides to charge extra for the fancy editions—more on that in a sec).
“Huh. Confirmed that this does indeed work on a Switch 1. (As the OG Switch game.) Kinda surprised,” said John Ricciardi, founder of localization company 8-4, on Bluesky after testing it out himself with a Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition.
💸 But Here’s the Catch…
Nintendo’s not always giving away the upgrade for free. Some Switch 2 Editions cost more than their standard Switch 1 versions. That includes:
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition
- Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (yes, that’s the full name 😅)
Meanwhile, some Switch 1 games have received free upgrades for Switch 2. Nintendo quietly dropped patch updates this week for titles like:
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
🕹️ Summary
- You can’t play Switch 2-only games on Switch 1.
- You can play some Switch 2 Edition cartridges on Switch 1—if the game exists on both consoles.
- These cartridges include both versions, and your system runs what it can handle.
- Some upgrades are free, others come at a premium price.
It’s a little messy, a little confusing, and very Nintendo. But if you’re eyeing a new game and thinking long-term, Switch 2 Editions might be the way to go—even if you’re still on your Switch 1.
Related Articles:
Mario Kart World Guide: Tracks, Characters, Game Modes & More on Nintendo Switch 2
Stuck on Downloading Mario Kart World with Your Switch 2 Bundle? Here’s Exactly What to Do
Start your engines and maybe grab a compass—because Mario Kart is going full open-world!