With the Nintendo Switch 2’s release inching closer this week, players are growing increasingly impatient to get their hands on Nintendo’s next-gen hybrid console. Beyond the excitement of new launch titles, there's growing curiosity about the console’s upgraded capabilities, including a Discord-like feature called GameChat and a completely redesigned Joy-Con with built-in mouse support.
One of the most exciting things about the Nintendo Switch 2 is its strong lineup of multiplayer titles, from the newly released Mario Kart World to updated versions of classics like Super Mario Party Jamboree, optimized for the new hardware.
Does the Switch 2 Support Cross-Play?
Yes, but support depends on the game.
Cross-play features are typically tied to online multiplayer titles and are handled by developers, not Nintendo. Many modern games support cross-platform play, allowing players to connect with others using different consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox.
What Games Support Cross-Play?
Plenty of non-exclusive titles support cross-play, including EA’s Apex Legends, Blizzard’s Overwatch 2, Epic Games’ Fortnite, Digital Extremes’ Warframe, Innersloth’s Among Us, and more.
Cross-play has become a standard for modern online games, and it’s likely that most multiplayer games launching in 2025 and beyond will support seamless play across different platforms.
Keep in mind that while cross-play lets players connect across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, it’s limited to controller-based matchmaking. Due to the difference in control schemes, mouse and keyboard users on PC are placed in separate lobbies.
Can Switch 2 Play Online With Switch 1?
Yes, but like cross-play, it depends on the game and which version is installed on each console.
Keep in mind that the original Nintendo Switch runs on older hardware, and as newer versions roll out, some online games may no longer function properly.
You can still play with Switch 1 users using your Switch 2. First-party Nintendo titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Party Jamboree all support cross-play.
Third-party games like Fortnite, Overwatch 2, and others are currently playable, but there’s no official word yet on whether the experience will be seamless.
READ: Remembering the Nintendo Switch (2017–2025)
Are Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives Capable of Cross-Play?
No. Titles exclusive to the Switch 2, like Mario Kart World, won’t be playable on the original Nintendo Switch. However, most Nintendo titles do support cross-saves, meaning your progress can carry over between systems.
For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom run smoothly on the Switch 2, with performance similar to that of the original console. That said, if you want enhanced visuals and an improved framerate, you can upgrade to the optimized Switch 2 version for a small fee of $10.
Why Does Cross-Platform Play Matter?
Cross-platform support is important because it allows original Switch owners to play online with users on other consoles, reducing matchmaking wait times and opening the door to a broader community of players.
If you are interested in finding out Switch 2 stock availability, click here to access our stock checker for stock in the USA, and click here for Switch 2 UK stock availability.
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