PART THREE: STORAGE & ACCESSORIES FOR NINTENDO SWITCH 2

How much storage space does the Nintendo Switch 2 have?
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage. Be aware that some of this storage is reserved for system operations, so the final number will be below 256GB.^[57]

What sizes are Nintendo Switch 2 Games?
The following games have their file sizes confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2:

• Mario Kart World - 23.4 GB^[58]
• Donkey Kong Bananza - 10 GB^[59]
• GameCube Nintendo Classics - 3.5 GB^[60].
  It is to be believed that this will only include the three GameCube titles available at launch, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX and Soul Calibur 2. Please consider that additional space is required when future games release onto GameCube: Nintendo Classics.
  

The following Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games also have their file sizes confirmed. These are sizes for just the upgrade packs and doesn’t include the original file size of the game per se.

• Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV - 7.7 GB^[61]
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World - 5.7 GB^[62]
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: 9.7GB^[63]
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: 3.6GB^[64]

How do you increase the memory on the Nintendo Switch 2?

Unlike the Nintendo Switch, which used microSD cards, Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new format that allows you to increase the available size for storage on the system. The only format supported by Nintendo Switch 2 is microSD Express cards.^[65] These flash storage cards have higher reading and writing capacity and can store games in a different manner.

This means that your previous microSD card is not supported on the Nintendo Switch. If you wish to upgrade the available 256GB internal storage, you’ll need to purchase a microSD Express card. This format can be found in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB sizes on the web. Nintendo sells their own branded microSD Express cards in 256GB from both Sandisk and Samsung in the My Nintendo Store for $59.99 USD.^[66] These have no particular advantage over different microSD Express cards, except for a Mario-logo on the card. The Nintendo Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB.^[57]

Can I use my Nintendo Switch (1) controllers / peripherals on Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo has released a full compatibility list of all accessories that will work on Nintendo Switch 2.^[67] We will outline the main controllers and their compatibility here.

• Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers can be used on Nintendo Switch 2. However, they cannot be connected to the system and require either the charging grip for Nintendo Switch 1, or a standing charging dock to be charged for Nintendo Switch 2. You can also of course, charge these Joy-Con using the Nintendo Switch 1 system by attaching them to this.
• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
• Nintendo Switch Online Retro Controllers. These can be connected wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch 2 and work with compatible games. Be aware that the Nintendo Entertain System Controllers cannot be attached to the Nintendo Switch 2 console and need to be charged with the same method as the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers.
• The GameCube Controller Adapter, either the Nintendo Switch or the WiiU version, can be used with Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode when docked, by connecting it to the two USB-A ports on the side of the dock.
• The Ring-Con for Ring Fit Adventure can only be used using original switch Joy-Con controllers to connect wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch 2. It cannot be used with Joy-Con 2 controllers.
• The Nintendo Switch (1) dock is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. It cannot be used to charge or connect the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
• The Nintendo Switch AC-adapter can only be used to charge a Nintendo Switch 2 system. It does not work with the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock.
• Amiibo will continue to be supported on Nintendo Switch 2 via the NFC reader.
• The feature to wake the console from suspension / sleep by holding down the Home-button is deactivated on all Nintendo Switch (1) controllers, such as the Joy-Con and Pro Controller.^[70]

Does the Nintendo Classics - Nintendo GameCube Wireless Controller Work with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on a Nintendo Switch 2?
It has been confirmed that the special Nintendo GameCube Wireless Controller, which is only sold via My Nintendo Store to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, only works with the Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics library. This may be a disclaimer and could change in the future, but as of writing it is unconfirmed whether this Nintendo GameCube Controller works for titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.^[68] 

Do I need to use a GameCube Controller to play Nintendo GameCube games on Nintendo Switch 2?
No, it is possible to use the Joy-Con 2 controllers or the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller with this selection of GameCube titles on Nintendo Switch 2. You can also customize the controls to your liking via the suspension-menu by pressing ZL+ZR while in-game.^[69].

As of writing it remains unclear how the precision of the analog triggers on the GameCube is replicated with Joy-Con 2 controllers or the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, as these feature digital triggers. The reasoning given by the hardware team was that instant input would be preferred on the shoulders, over the delay that analog triggers may give.^[95] 

How can I transfer my data from the Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo has confirmed that you can use the System Transfer feature on the Nintendo Switch to transfer any digital games and save data you have on your system to Nintendo Switch 2. This also applies for personal settings and Parental Controls. For this process an active internet connection is required and your user profile needs to be linked to a Nintendo Account. Please note that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to perform a system transfer. Users without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will need to use system transfer in order to transfer their save data.^[70] 
Additionally, it may be possible that users of Animal Crossing: New Horizons are required to use system transfer to transfer their island, residents and progress. You may be required to use the Island Transfer Tool from the Nintendo eShop. Please note that a Nintendo Switch Online subscription does not transfer the save data for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.^[71]

Can I use my Nintendo Switch Carrying Case on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Due to the larger size of the system and the Joy-Con 2 controllers, standard size Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite carrying cases will not fit the Nintendo Switch 2 system.^[72]

Can I use any HDMI-cable with the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a ‘high-speed” HDMI-cable to allow for 4K video and 60FPS output in TV Mode, as well as 120 fps when 1920x1080/2560x1440 resolutions are selected. Be aware that 120fps will only work with compatible televisions that support a higher refresh rate.^[73]

What are the buttons on the back of the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?
These back buttons on the left and right underside of these controllers are referred to as the GL and GR buttons. While playing games they can be assigned shortcuts or replace functions of other face buttons for ease of access. These inputs are saved for each individual game as well as individual users, making them customizable to the player’s personal preferences.^[74]

What accessories are available for purchase for the Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo will be offering a large amount of accessories that are exclusively designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. The following accessories can be bought from Nintendo directly, through their Nintendo Store or via retailers. As of April 18th, several prices have been changed and adjusted in the U.S. and Canada for accessories due to the impact of the U.S. Government tariffs on Asia. Below follows the full list of the accessories and their pricing in the US^[100] and Canada^[101].

Updated on April 21st 2025

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price - As of April 18, 2025:

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller - $84.99 / $109.99 Canadian.

Joy-Con 2 Pair - $94.99 / $124.99 Canadian.

Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip - $39.99 / $49.99 Canadian.

Joy-Con 2 Strap - $13.99 / $19.99 Canadian.

Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set - $24.99 / $29.99 Canadian.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera - $54.99 / $69.99 Canadian.

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set - $119.99 / $154.99 Canadian.

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector - $39.99 / $49.99 Canadian.

Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case - $84.99 / $109.99 Canadian.

Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter - $34.99 / $39.99 Canadian.

Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch™ 2 - $59.99 / $84.99 Canadian.