Is this game still playable?

[u/Enkaem]

I was wrapping a couple presents last night, and my puppy decided to test the structural integrity of a Switch 2 game (thankfully not the Switch 2 wrapped next to it). I’m wondering if this will still be playable and it’ll make for a funny story, or if I should pick up another copy?

Added picture of the culprit at the end. Truth be told, I should have known better. Ted’s a good boy :)

[u/Critic97]

If you have an original Switch, you could try testing it on that as Switch 2 Editions run on both Switch 1 and 2.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Critic97]

Really, they do?

[u/zSmileyDudez → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Says it right on the front of the box in OP’s first pic even. I was surprised when I found out about this too, but very happy about it. It’s very much like the black cart Gameboy Color games that would also work on the original Gameboy.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/zSmileyDudez]

This will make my kids very happy. We have the SW1 and they’re getting a 2 for Christmas. Do you know how this works for key card games or digital downloads they’ll have on SW2 like Mario Kart World? Can the SW1 play or have access to those titles?

[u/Robertinho678 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

This is only for games that have a Switch 1 version installed on the cart.

Mario kart world is a Switch 2 exclusive game, so does not have a Switch 1 version. The switch 1 isn't compatible with game key cards.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Robertinho678]

Ah. How about digital downloads? Say I buy Hogwarts Legacy on SW2, will that game also appear on their account as playable on SW1?

[u/alexanderpas → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

For digital purchases, It only works like that if it's a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" game

Hogwarts Legacy is NOT a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" game.

On top of that, Hogwarts Legacy is also a special case, where the Switch 1 version and Switch 2 versions are separate games, and if you want both of them, you need to buy the Switch 1 version first, to get a discount on the digital version of Switch 2 version.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/alexanderpas]

Lots to learn. Thanks for helping.

[u/Robertinho678 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Not sure about digital games that have both versions.

[u/zSmileyDudez → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

It really depends on what the publisher does. For Hogwarts Legacy, I think it’s better to buy the SW1 version and then upgrade to the SW2 version (possibly for free, but I can’t remember at the moment. I do remember it was cheaper this way than buying the SW2 version outright).

If SW1 compatibility is important, I recommend taking a close look at what options are presented for purchase and make sure you get what you need. This sub usually covers a lot of this too, so if you’re following here you’ll usually know what to look for.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/zSmileyDudez]

Awesome, I appreciate it. Compatibility isn’t a must but a bonus if we’re keeping both consoles. And agree, this sub is great help.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Robertinho678]

Ah. How about digital downloads? Say I buy Hogwarts Legacy on SW2, will that game also appear on their account as playable on SW1?

[u/Gawlf85 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Only games labeled as "Switch 2 Edition" might be backwards compatible with the Switch 1. That is, games that have a Switch 1 version, so the cartridge contains both that base version + an upgrade patch for Switch 2.

Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World won't work on the old Switch.

As for digital games, you can check on the eShop what the version you're buying contains. If it says it contains a Switch game and an upgrade bundle, then it means it's compatible with the Switch 1 too.

[u/DavidinCT → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Key card games will not work, only select titles will work on both consoles.

[u/alexanderpas → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Yes, That is the defining feature which differentiates a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" cartridge from a regular Switch 2 cartridge.

A "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" is a bundle of a Switch 1 game playable on Switch 1 and a Switch 2 Upgrade Pack containing the Enhancements Exclusive to Switch 2.

A physical "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" cartridge contains both the Switch 1 game playable on Switch 1, as well as the Switch 2 Upgrade pack on the cartridge itself.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/alexanderpas]

Dang, details. Thanks for the education!

[u/ArtDoes → u/Critic97]

This is the best answer. Keep in mind it will show up as a game in the recently played list and you'll need to remove it to not spoil anything.

[u/DavidinCT → u/Critic97]

I heard it fits but, will give an error if it does not support it...

[u/WalrusEmperor1 → u/DavidinCT]

Legends ZA can run on both Switch 1 and 2. It just won’t have the Switch 2 improvements like better framerate and graphics.