Nintendo Switch → Switch 2: What Accessories Work (and What Doesn’t)
Nintendo Switch 2 is a big step forward in power and features — and that means accessory compatibility isn’t always straightforward. Some popular controllers and chargers will keep working (often wirelessly), while others — docks, some charging grips, and standard microSD cards — are no longer fully supported.
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Joy-Con (original)
It pairs wirelessly and play most games, but they won’t attach to the Switch 2 or charge via its dock. If a game expects Joy-Con 2-only features (like mouse-style pointer support), the older Joy-Con may not provide full functionality. -
Joy-Con 2 & Joy-Con 2 accessories
Designed for Switch 2 — straps, charging grip and other first-party add-ons are Switch 2 specific. If you want full integration (attach, charge, remapped GL/GR buttons), get the new Joy-Con 2 accessories.
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Pro Controller (original)
It works wirelessly with Switch 2; you can keep using it for most games. Some Switch 2 exclusive controller features may be limited unless you use the Pro Controller 2.
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Dock & TV mode
The old Switch dock isn’t compatible with Switch 2. The original AC adapter can charge the console handheld, but cannot supply the power required for TV mode through the Switch 2 dock — you’ll need the Switch 2 AC adapter for docked/TV use.
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MicroSD Cards
Switch 2 is built around microSD Express — use Express cards (official Nintendo licensed options available). Older microSD cards won’t give you the performance required and are not supported for full game storage.
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HDMI Cable
The HDMI cable included with the original Nintendo Switch is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 due to different HDMI standards.
✅ To ensure the best performance, always use the HDMI cable that comes with Nintendo Switch 2.
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AC Adapter (Original)
The Nintendo Switch AC adapter has different power output and cannot be used for TV mode on Switch 2.
✅ However, it can still charge the Nintendo Switch 2 console directly when plugged in.
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Joy-Con Grip
The standard Joy-Con Grip bundled with the original Switch was designed specifically for the first-generation Joy-Con controllers. Because the rail design and internal connectors of Joy-Con 2 are different, the new controllers physically won’t fit.
✅ However, if you own older Joy-Con controllers, they can still be paired wirelessly with Switch 2 and used with the Grip as before. This gives longtime Switch owners an easy way to keep using their original Joy-Con setup.
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Joy-Con Charging Grip
The Joy-Con Charging Grip allows players to recharge Joy-Con controllers while playing. Unfortunately, this accessory also relies on the original Joy-Con rail, making it incompatible with Joy-Con 2.
✅ The good news is that Switch 2 still supports older Joy-Con wirelessly, so if you own original Joy-Con, you can continue to use the Charging Grip with them. Players who prefer longer wired sessions may want to keep their old accessories for convenience.
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Joy-Con Wheel
The Joy-Con Wheel is a steering wheel accessory that adds immersion to racing games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Since Joy-Con 2 has a different shape and rail design, it cannot slot into the wheel properly.
✅ However, the original Joy-Con remains compatible with Switch 2 consoles when connected wirelessly, meaning you can still enjoy the classic wheel experience on Switch 2 — provided you use your older controllers.
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Ring-Con (Ring Fit Adventure)
The Ring-Con was introduced alongside Ring Fit Adventure as a fitness-focused peripheral. It was built to house an original Joy-Con securely to track your movements. Because Joy-Con 2 features redesigned rails and sensor systems, it cannot physically attach to the Ring-Con.
✅ Fortunately, original Joy-Con controllers are supported wirelessly on Switch 2, allowing players to continue enjoying Ring Fit Adventure on the new system — just with older hardware.
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Leg Strap
The Leg Strap accessory, bundled with Switch Sports and Ring Fit Adventure, attaches a Joy-Con to your leg to track lower-body motion. Like the Ring-Con, the strap only fits the original Joy-Con. Joy-Con 2 controllers will not work with it.
✅ However, if you still own a set of original Joy-Con, you can pair them wirelessly with Switch 2 and continue to use the Leg Strap for supported games.
Nintendo Account & Online Services
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Nintendo Account – Fully supported on Switch 2. You can link your account, transfer profiles, and keep access to eShop, downloads, and more.
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Nintendo eShop – Available on both consoles. Games exclusive to Switch 2 plus compatible Switch titles are supported. Funds are shared across linked devices, and eShop cards/software codes work on both systems.
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Nintendo Switch Online – Membership works across both Switch and Switch 2. Some perks, such as the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library, are exclusive to Switch 2.
Virtual Game Cards
Virtual Game Cards help manage digital games across two linked consoles (Switch and Switch 2).
✔ Cards can be transferred or shared within family groups, making cross-play management easier.
GameShare
Switch 2 introduces GameShare, letting you share compatible titles with friends or family.
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Switch 2 can share games with both Switch 2 and Switch consoles.
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Switch consoles can only receive shares locally from a Switch 2 system.
Smart Device Apps
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Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App – Works with Switch 2, now with added features such as monitoring GameChat and limiting video chat.
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Nintendo Switch App – Works on both consoles. On Switch 2, extra features are available: uploading screenshots/videos and using ZELDA NOTES for enhanced Zelda game editions.
Conclusion / buying tips:
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Keep your existing Joy-Con and Pro Controller for portable and many docked games — they’ll still work wireless.
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If you want full feature parity, you will need to use Switch 2-specific accessories: Joy-Con 2, Joy-Con 2 charging grip, Switch 2 Dock and Switch 2 AC adapter.
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Replace your old microSD with a microSD Express card if you plan to move your library to Switch 2.
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