Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console is set to make history, allowing dozens of Wii U games to be played across three consecutive Nintendo console generations—a first for the company.
Nintendo’s track record with backward compatibility has been inconsistent, with a stronger focus on the feature emerging in the mid-2000s. However, when the original Switch launched in 2017, it marked a break in the trend, lacking compatibility with Wii U games. This left fans clamoring for the next Nintendo console to bring backward compatibility back. Nintendo recently confirmed this feature for the Switch 2, answering the call and setting the stage for a new era of cross-generational gaming.
Wii U Games Getting New Life on Switch 2
One exciting outcome of the Switch 2’s backward compatibility is that many Wii U games will become playable on three generations of consoles: the Wii U, the original Switch, and now the Switch 2. Game File’s Stephen Totilo noted that this milestone is unprecedented for Nintendo. Despite launching twelve consoles since 1985, Nintendo has rarely ensured backward compatibility beyond one generation. Even though the Switch itself didn’t offer it, Nintendo has ported dozens of Wii U titles to the system over the years—a smart move given the Wii U’s underwhelming commercial performance, which left many of its games fresh and largely undiscovered for new audiences on the Switch.
36+ Wii U Games to Play on the Switch 2
Currently, at least 36 Wii U titles are confirmed or expected to be playable on the Switch 2, according to a recent report by Game Rant. This includes popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and enhanced versions of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. Beyond first-party hits, several third-party games like LEGO City: Undercover and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove will also span three console generations, offering fans continuity and new opportunities to enjoy these games. Adding to this list, Nintendo recently announced Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, scheduled for release in March 2025, which will also be part of this historic lineup.
With some popular Wii U games still missing from the Switch’s library, there’s potential for Nintendo to continue expanding the list of legacy titles available on the Switch 2. And while Nintendo’s history suggests that backward compatibility may not persist into the generation after Switch 2, this moment will stand out as a significant step forward for Nintendo fans. By allowing games to traverse three generations, the Switch 2 exemplifies a shift towards greater accessibility and preservation in gaming.
