The presentation of the Nintendo Switch 2 console raised natural questions regarding the continuity of use of the accessories developed for the previous model, Switch. In general, Nintendo has ensured that, with some specific exceptions, most of the existing accessories can also be used with the new hardware platform. However, the methods of compatibility vary significantly depending on the accessory considered. As for controllers, the original Switch Joy-Con maintain compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2, but only wireless. It will not be possible to physically connect them to the sides of the new console. In addition, the recharging of these controllers will require the use of an original Nintendo Switch console or dedicated accessories such as the Joy-Con Charging handle or the Joy-Con Charging base. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, on the other hand, is fully compatible: it can be associated via Wireless with Nintendo Switch 2 and its battery can be recharged by connecting it via USB cable to the dock of the new console.
Also classic controllers, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, the Nintendo 64 Controller and the Sega Genesis Control Pad, are compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, always via wireless connection and limited to supported games. The recharging of these controllers (with the exception of the Nes Controller, which requires original hardware or specific accessories) can take place by connecting them via USB to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. The adapter for controller Nintendo Gamecube can also be compatible, usable in TV mode by connection to a USB port on the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. However, there are important incompatibility. The original Nintendo Switch base is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, as well as the adjustable charging stand. The original Nintendo Switch power supply has a limited compatibility: it can load the Nintendo Switch 2 console if connected directly, but its different output power prevents its use to feed the console in TV mode. Even the HDMI cable supplied with the original Nintendo Switch is not compatible, due to differences in the HDMI standards; The use of the cable provided with Nintendo Switch 2 is recommended to optimize video performance.
Another significant difference lies in the memory support: Nintendo Switch 2 has been designed to use exclusively MicroSD Express cards, characterized by higher data transfer speeds. The conventional microSD cards will therefore not be used for the installation or execution of software on the new console, but can only be used for viewing screen or video cafes previously saved on a Nintendo Switch. Finally, all the accessories designed for the physical attachment to the original joy-with-such as the Joy-Con Laccetto, the Joy-Con handle (Standard and Charging), the Joy-Con steering wheel, the AA Joy-Con battery set, the leg band (for Nintendo Switch Sports) and the ring-con for Ring Fit Adventure-are not compatible with the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Relevant to note, however, that these accessories can still be used with the Nintendo Switch 2 console if used in combination with the Joy-Con of the original Nintendo Switch, connected wireless to the new console, and limited to compatible software as in the case of the leg and ring-with band.