Nintendo Switch Software Play Mode, Accessory, and Features Compatibility FAQ
Description:
In this article, you'll learn about the different types of game play modes that are compatible with each console in the Nintendo Switch family, as well as information on compatible accessories and supported features.
Note: Learn more about Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite to see which works for you.
Play Modes
Which play modes are compatible with my console?
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Handheld Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Tabletop Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | The Nintendo Switch Lite system does not have a stand, but it can be played in tabletop mode using the Nintendo Switch adjustable charging stand (sold separately), or a licensed accessory. For games that support tabletop mode, players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately), such as Joy-Con controllers or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, to a Nintendo Switch Lite system. |
TV Mode | Yes | Yes | No |
How do I know which play modes are compatible with specific software?
Nintendo Switch Lite can play any game that supports handheld mode, which are the vast majority of Nintendo Switch titles. A game’s supported play modes can be found on the software packaging, on the official Nintendo website game detail pages, and in Nintendo eShop game listings.
Accessories
Which accessories are compatible with my console?
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Joy-Con controllers | Yes | Yes | Yes | The Joy-Con controllers can be used as wireless controllers on a Nintendo Switch Lite system, or connected as wired controllers using a licensed accessory. A Nintendo Switch console or Joy-Con charging grip (sold separately) is required to charge Joy-Con controllers. |
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | The Pro Controller can be used as a wireless controller for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, or connected as a wired controller using a licensed accessory. |
Nintendo Switch Dock | Yes | Yes | No | Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV mode. |
Nintendo Switch Dock with LAN port | Yes | Yes | No | Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV mode. |
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit | Yes | Yes | No | Nintendo Switch – OLED Model has a larger, 7-inch OLED screen which will be partially hidden when using Toy-Con Fishing Rod, Toy-Con House, Toy-Con Motorbike, and Toy-Con Piano. The system is also slightly wider, so it is more difficult to attach to Toy-Con Motorbike and Toy-Con Piano. |
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit | Yes | Yes | No | |
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit | Yes | Yes | No | Nintendo Switch – OLED Model has a larger, 7-inch OLED screen which will be partially hidden when using Toy-Con Car. |
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit | Yes | Yes | No | Nintendo Switch – OLED Model has a larger, 7-inch OLED screen which may impact the VR effect while using Toy-Con VR Goggles. When using VR Mode in Nintendo Labo: VR Kit, the image size on the screen is reduced to maintain the VR effect. Automatic detection to switch to VR Mode is not possible on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, so the "VR Mode Auto-Switch" setting should be set to Off in Nintendo Labo: VR Kit. |
AC Adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
microSD Card | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
USB LAN Adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory is not needed when using the Nintendo Switch dock with a built-in LAN port. This accessory can be connected to a Nintendo Switch Lite system using a licensed accessory. |
Poké Ball Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be paired and used only as a wireless controller on consoles in the Nintendo Switch family. |
Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers | Yes | Yes | Yes | For Nintendo Switch Lite, the NES Controllers can be paired and used only as wireless controllers. A Nintendo Switch console is required to charge the NES Controllers. |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be paired and used as a wireless controller on a Nintendo Switch Lite system, or connected as a wired controller using a licensed accessory. |
Nintendo 64 Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be paired and used as a wireless controller on a Nintendo Switch Lite system, or connected as a wired controller using a licensed accessory. |
SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be paired and used as a wireless controller on a Nintendo Switch Lite system, or connected as a wired controller using a licensed accessory. |
GameCube Controller | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be connected to a Nintendo Switch Lite system using a licensed accessory. |
GameCube Controller Adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | This accessory can be connected to a Nintendo Switch Lite system using a licensed accessory. |
How do I know which accessories are compatible with specific software?
All compatible accessories for a game can be found in its Nintendo eShop game listing and on the official Nintendo website.
Features
Which features are available on my console?
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HD Rumble | Yes | Yes | No | This feature is unavailable on Nintendo Switch Lite, but it may be used with the system by pairing a supported, wireless controller. |
Motion Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Near-Field Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
IR Motion Camera | Yes | Yes | No | This feature is unavailable on Nintendo Switch Lite, but it may be used with the system by pairing a supported, wireless controller. |
Wired Internet Communication | Yes | Yes | No | When using a Nintendo Switch dock without a built-in LAN port, a USB LAN adapter is required to use a wired internet connection. This feature is available on Nintendo Switch Lite through the use of a licensed accessory. |
Wireless Internet Communication | Yes | Yes | Yes |