Can you use my Switch controllers on the Switch 2?

By Jesse Lennox Published April 7, 2025

Two players play Nintendo Switch. — Getty Images

Many of the best Switch games are multiplayer experiences. The Joy-cons were an amazing controller thanks to their ability to serve as both a single controller and be split into two for split-screen games. They were also fun to collect in all the available colors. Plus, you could also grab a Pro Controller for a more traditional experience. Either way, odds are you have at least a few spare Switch controllers already and will want to know if they will be compatible with the Switch 2 or if you’ll be forced to buy another collection for new multiplayer games. Visually, there isn’t a big difference between the Switch 2 vs. Switch, but can you use your old dock and controllers? We have some good news for you.

Will your Switch controllers be compatible with the Switch 2?

A black and pink Switch 2 joy-con. — Nintendo

The Switch 2 has its own new and improved set of Joy-cons that have a host of improvements that make playing the upcoming Switch 2 games even better. So, the big question will be if your old Joy-cons will work with it at all since they lack features like the new C button and mouse functionality. Thankfully, Nintendo isn’t making your old Joy-cons completely obsolete and you can still wirelessly connect them to the Switch 2. That said, you cannot connect them to the system, and you need your old system or charging station to charge them.

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There is a new Switch Pro Controller releasing for the Switch 2, but your old one is also compatible wirelessly and can be charged with the new dock via USB. Other compatible Switch controllers include the SNES controller, N64 controller, and Genesis controller.

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Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over five years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…

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Two people playing a game on an OLED Switch.

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A Switch 2 in its dock.

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Will the Switch 2 work with my Switch Dock?

A Switch 2 sits on a display next to its controller.

Rather than reinvent the wheel with the Switch 2, Nintendo has stuck to the winning formula of the Switch and created what is essentially a more powerful version of its hybrid console. While there are plenty of differences between the Switch vs. Switch 2, it is still meant to serve as a handheld and home console when placed in the dock. A new Switch 2 will come with a dock like you would expect, but current Switch owners may have one or more docks already that you may want to use with your Switch 2. We've already talked about whether or not the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the best Switch games, but what about hardware like the dock or controllers? Let's see if your old docks will be able to handle the Switch 2's power.
Can you use a Switch dock with the Switch 2?

Sadly, you cannot use your old Switch dock with the Switch 2. This is for a few reasons, but the big one is, well, how big the Switch 2 is. The new console is not that much larger than the old one, but big enough that it won't even fit within your dock if you try.