Nintendo Switch 2 emulators: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox system
{{Infobox computing device/Nintendo Switch 2}}
|title = Nintendo Switch 2
|image = Switch 2 Portable.png
|image2 = Switch 2 Docked.png
|imagecaption = The Switch 2 in both forms: handheld (top) and docked (bottom)
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Hybrid consoles|Hybrid video game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Ninth-generation video game consoles|Ninth]]
|release = June 5th 2025
|predecessor =  [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]]
|emulated = {{✗}}
}}


{{for|emulators that run on the Switch 2|Emulators on Nintendo Switch 2}}
{{for|emulators that run on the Nintendo Switch 2|Emulators on Nintendo Switch 2}}


The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo Switch 2|Nintendo Switch 2]]''' is a ninth-generation hybrid video game console by Nintendo released in 2025. First revealed in a trailer released on January 16, 2025, it is the successor to the [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]], and it is Nintendo's first console to use a standardized numbering system to differentiate it from its predecessor (much like [[Sony]]'s PlayStation family of home consoles). Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 uses a pair of detachable Joy-Con as its controllers and can be played on the TV by placing it in the dock or in handheld mode by taking it out. The Nintendo Switch 2 is slightly larger than the original Nintendo Switch, and its Joy-Con are connected directly to the sides of the console via gendered plugs rather than vertical slide locks. Additionally, the Joy-Con, when disconnected from the console, can be turned on their sides and moved around on a flat surface, akin to a computer mouse. The console also features an extra USB-C port at the top, and its kickstand extends across almost the full width of the console; the angle at which it is reclined can be adjusted. In a similar fashion to the [[Wii emulators|Wii]] and [[Wii U emulators|Wii U]], it is backwards compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.
The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo Switch 2|Nintendo Switch 2]]''' is a ninth-generation hybrid video game console by Nintendo released in 2025. First revealed in a trailer released on January 16, 2025, it is the successor to the [[Nintendo Switch emulators|Nintendo Switch]], and it is Nintendo's first console to use a standardized numbering system to differentiate it from its predecessor (much like [[Sony]]'s PlayStation family of home consoles). Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 uses a pair of detachable Joy-Con as its controllers and can be played on the TV by placing it in the dock or in handheld mode by taking it out. The Nintendo Switch 2 is slightly larger than the original Nintendo Switch, and its Joy-Con are connected directly to the sides of the console via gendered plugs rather than vertical slide locks. Additionally, the Joy-Con, when disconnected from the console, can be turned on their sides and moved around on a flat surface, akin to a computer mouse. The console also features an extra USB-C port at the top, and its kickstand extends across almost the full width of the console; the angle at which it is reclined can be adjusted. In a similar fashion to the [[Wii emulators|Wii]] and [[Wii U emulators|Wii U]], it is backwards compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.


It uses a custom SoC designed by Nvidia, supports up to 4K at 60 Hz in docked mode or 1080p at 120Hz in handheld mode with variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDR10, has 256GB of faster storage compared to its predecessor, and a microphone for the new GameChat group calling feature as well as for games that support it.
The Switch 2 uses a custom Tegra T239 SoC designed by Nvidia, including 8 ARM Cortex-A78C CPU cores, 12 GBs of LPDDR5X RAM and an Nvidia Ampere based GPU with 1536 CUDA cores. It supports up to 4K at 60 Hz in docked mode or 1080p at 120Hz in handheld mode. It also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDR10, has 256GB of faster storage compared to its predecessor, and a microphone for the new GameChat group calling feature as well as for games that support it.


== Emulators ==
== Emulators ==
{{No playable emulators}}


<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
The only projects that appear to be actively working on it are [https://github.com/pound-emu/pound Pound] and [https://github.com/0xNikilite/oboromi oboromi], however, neither has made any significant progress specific to the system so far.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%; font-size:90%"
 
! scope="col" | Name
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;line-height:1.5;width:74%;font-size:90%;"
! scope="col" | Platform(s)
|+Before editing, review the [[Getting involved]] and [[Recommended emulators|Recommended]] pages. See [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|system requirements]] page for performance demand of the emulators.<br/>See tables for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #CC0000; border: 1px solid #CC0000; padding: 2px;">[[#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]].</span><br/>For more details such as [[licensing]], [[Source_code#Language_levels|programming language]], [[High_and_low-level_emulation|emulation method]], visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
! scope="col" | Latest version
!Name
! scope="col" | [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]
!Platform(s)
! scope="col" | [[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
!Latest version
! scope="col" | Compatibility
!Compatibility
! scope="col" | [[Licensing|License]]
![[Licensing|License]]
! scope="col" | Active
!Active
! scope="col" | [[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
|-
! colspan="9" style="background:#e8e8e8;" | x86
! colspan="7" |x86
|-
|-
| [[Pound]]
|Pound
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/pound-emu/pound git]<br/><small>''Early WIP stage.''</small>
|[https://github.com/pound-emu/pound v0.0.0 (pre-release)]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|{{✗}}
|?
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}<ref group=N>Pound development is currently paused as development has [https://github.com/pound-emu/pound#:~:text=IMPORTANT,SUPPORT "fully shifted to creating a new arm recompiler from the ground up."]</ref>
|{{✗}}
|{{Na}} <small>([https://github.com/pound-emu/pound?tab=readme-ov-file#overview WIP])</small>
|-
|-
| [[oboromi]]
|oboromi
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/0xNikilite/oboromi git]<br/><small>''Early WIP stage.''</small>
|[https://github.com/0xNikilite/oboromi v0.0.1-dynarmic (pre-release)]
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|{{✗}}
|{{Green}} {{License|GPLv3}}
|?
|{{Ya}}
|{{Green}} {{License|MPL2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})
|{{Na}} <small>([https://github.com/0xNikilite/oboromi?tab=readme-ov-file#overview WIP])</small>
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />
<references group=N />
<references group="lower-alpha" />


nintendo shut down emulations of their game systemes
Given the takedowns of [[Yuzu]] and [[Ryujinx]], it is unlikely that a public working emulator will emerge anytime in the near future.


==Hardware features and peripherals==
==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! colspan=3 | Name
! (emulator name)
! Emulator name
|-
| rowspan="5" |Controls
|Disguise peripheral support through passthrough<br /><small>Tricking the software into think that the original controller was connected even those identify themselves with different device IDs. When a game tries to identify a connected 'nearly the same internally' controller, emulator will tell it that the equivalent original controller is connected instead, allowing it to work.</small>
|
|-
|[[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|
|-
|[[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse injector]]
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | Switch 2 HOME Menu
|Real peripheral support (passthrough)<br /><small>Ability to passthrough USB HID devices or Bluetooth adapter for emulated system.</small>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | Mii Editor
|[https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[Nintendo_Switch_Online#List_of_emulators|Nintendo Classics]]
| rowspan="7" |Graphics
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Pre-rendering anti-aliasing]]<br /><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[wikipedia:Category:Cloud-based_Nintendo_Switch_games|Cloud-based titles]][https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/53518/~/cloud-versions-of-games---faq][https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Games-Using-Cloud-Streaming-Technology-FAQ-1864576.html]
| Ray tracing<br /><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>
| <small>Hardware accelerated ray tracing is already supported.[https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nintendo-switch-2-leveled-up-with-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-and-4k-gaming/]</small>
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Native|Switch titles]]
| [[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[Amiibo]]
| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]
| <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.</small>
|-
| Super-resolution techniques<br /><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>
| <small>DLSS is already supported.[https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nintendo-switch-2-leveled-up-with-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-and-4k-gaming/]</small>
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture replacement]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_Labo|Nintendo Labo]]
| [[Widescreen_hacks|Ultra-widescreen hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on the console. But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.</small>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=3 | [[List_of_games_that_support_microphone|Microphone]]
| rowspan="4" |Performance
|[https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br /><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-FG] and [https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5621/~/enabling-smooth-motion-in-nvidia-app SM], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG], [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF] and [https://gpuopen.com/fidelityfx-super-resolution-3/#:~:text=Features-,Frame%20Generation,-Insert%20interpolated%20frames FSR FG])</small>
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=4 | [[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]
| colspan=2 | Nintendo Switch Online
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | Local Wireless Play / GameShare
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | LAN Play
| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br /><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex], {{YouTubeVideo|B4rBI5G1nNY|Xe-LL}} and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])
| <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing proprietary rendering latency reduction technologies is not currently feasible.</small>
|-
| rowspan="6" |Post-processing
| {{Enhancements/Post-processing/AI-powered filter compatible}}
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [https://www.nintendo.com/sg/support/qa/detail/38050 Smart Device Mode], [https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Smart-device-games/ZELDA-NOTES-2790439.html#Overview Zelda Notes] and [https://www.nintendo.com/us/mobile-apps/nintendo-switch-app/ Nintendo Switch App]
| {{Enhancements/Post-processing/Filters}}
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=7 | Controllers<ref group=N>See PCGamingWiki: [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:Joy-Con Joy-Con] and [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Switch_Pro_Controller Switch Pro Controller] pages for more information about these controllers and PC connectivity/compatibility.</ref>
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping]]
| colspan=2 | Native Dual Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2 Support
| <small>Nintendo Switch 2 already has HDR10 capability.</small>
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]]<br /><small>(FXAA, TXAA, and MLAA/SMAA)</small>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | Native Dual Joy-Con 1 and Pro Controller 1 Support
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br /><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>
| <small>FSR 1 is already available.</small>
|-
| {{Enhancements/Post-processing/Shader chain}}
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | Nintendo GameCube Controller (via USB adapter)
| rowspan="13" |Quality of life
| Automatic updater
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_games_that_support_microphone|Wii U USB Microphone]] (wired & wireless)
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [https://switchbrew.org/wiki/Ring-Con Ring-Con]
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9_Ball_Plus Poké Ball Plus]
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadeconhttps://om/index.php/topic,106405 custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br /><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver]. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".</small>
| N/A<br /><small>Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway.</small>
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_console_games_that_support_keyboard_and_mouse#Nintendo_Switch_2|USB Keyboard & Mouse]]
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=5 | Inputs
|[[Save_converters|Built-in save manager]]
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_games_that_support_IR|IR Motion Camera]] support for Joy-Con 1<ref>JoyCon 2 lacks support for IR camera, an original JoyCon pair must be used for games that supports it.</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_games_that_support_HD_haptic_feedback|HD Rumble]]
| Command-line options
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_games_that_support_tracked_motion_controllers|Motion Controls (Gyro)]]
| Pause/resume emulation
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen|Touchscreen]]
| Per-game profiles
|
|
|-
|-
| colspan=2 | [[List_of_console_games_that_support_keyboard_and_mouse#Nintendo_Switch_2|Joy-Con 2 Mouse Mode]][https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/features/]
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth]<br /><small>Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary [[Computer_specifications#Operating_System|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system if it is not statically linked.</small>
|
|
|}
</div>
<references group=N/>
===Connectivity===
Nintendo Switch 2 Local play games are divided into two groups; games with Local Wireless support, and games with LAN support. There are different requirements and rules for the two types. The difference is that Local Wireless is ad-hoc Wi-Fi between Switch radios. LAN is when the switches are joined to the same Wi-Fi access point.
Using these technologies, one of the Switch 2's new features revealed is 'GameShare', a new way to play select games with your pals across multiple systems. GameShare lets you play multiplayer titles locally across different systems, with only one of you needing to have the game installed. This feature is available between Switch 2 systems and from Switch 2 to 'Switch 1' systems.[https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/features/gameshare/]
;Nintendo Switch Online{{Main|Nintendo Switch Online}}
For more information about other revive projects see [[Preservation_projects|Preservation projects]] page. You can play some of the online multiplayer capable Switch titles using [[Preservation_projects#Private_Game_Servers|revival private servers]].
==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold"
! colspan=2 | Name
! Emulator name<br/><small>(N/A)</small>
|-
|-
| rowspan=7 | Graphics
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture Replacement]]
| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable refresh rate]]
| <small>Nintendo Switch 2 already supports variable fresh rate through Nvidia G-Sync, although currently only in handheld mode.</small>
|-
| rowspan="5" |[https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
|Fast forward/Turbo speed
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks|Ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on the Switch 2 system.<br/>But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.</small>
|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
|
|
|-
|-
| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>
|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| <small>Ray-tracing already supported on Switch 2.[https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nintendo-switch-2-leveled-up-with-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-and-4k-gaming/]<br/>But there are ways to improve path-tracing implementation even further like increasing ray length or more rays per light source etc.</small>
|
|-
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Pre-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>
|Rewind
|
|
|-
|-
| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIA/DLSS/blob/main/doc/DLSS_Programming_Guide_Release.pdf DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>
|Save states
| <small>DLSS is gonna be supported on Switch 2.[https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nintendo-switch-2-leveled-up-with-nvidia-ai-powered-dlss-and-4k-gaming/] [https://gpuopen.com/fsr3-in-games-technical-details FSR 3] is probably gonna be supported on Switch 2.</small>
|
|-
|-
| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]
| rowspan="5" |Misc.
| colspan=9 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.</small>
|Screen translator<br /><small>Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.</small></small>
|colspan="6" |You can use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ RetroArch's AI Service] or the standalone offline [https://github.com/bquenin/interpreter bquenin's Interpreter].
|-
|-
| rowspan=4 | Performance
|Rich Presence (RPC)<br/><small>Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.</small>
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=3 | <small>AFMF is (technically) probably gonna be supported on Switch 2. Nvidia doesn’t mention which version of DLSS will be supported on the Switch 2, nor whether there will be any frame generation capabilities.</small>
|  Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores]. So there is no support at the moment.
|-
|-
| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br/><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex], [https://youtu.be/B4rBI5G1nNY Xe-LL] and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])
| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>
| colspan=4 | <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is '''likely''' doesn't offer enough benefits to justify the development effort.</small>
| <small>While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches. Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.
|}
<references group="lower-alpha"/>
 
==Hardware features and peripherals==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|+Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
! colspan="3" style="width:50%" |Name
! (emulator name)
|-
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| rowspan="6" |Controller features
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA, and MLAA/SMAA)</small>
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_HD_haptic_feedback|HD rumble]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>
| colspan="2" |[[List of console games that support infrared|IR motion camera]] support for Joy-Con 1<ref>Joy-Con 2 lacks support for IR camera, an original Joy-Con pair must be used for games that supports it.</ref>
| <small>FSR 1 is probably gonna be supported on Switch 2 [[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Enhancements|just like previous generation]].</small>
|
|-
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_console_games_that_support_keyboard_and_mouse#Nintendo_Switch_2|Joy-Con 2 mouse mode]]<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/features/]</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_console_games_that_support_motion_controls|Motion sensor]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
| colspan="2" |NFC
|
|
|-
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_touchscreen|Touchscreen]]
| colspan=2 | <small>Switch 2 is already has HDR10 capability.</small>
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| rowspan="10" |Hardware features
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| rowspan="2" |[[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
| [https://www.nintendo.com/us/mobile-apps/nintendo-switch-app/ Nintendo Switch App], [https://www.nintendo.com/sg/support/qa/detail/38050 Smart Device Mode], and [https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Smart-device-games/ZELDA-NOTES-2790439.html#Overview Zelda Notes]
|
|
|-
|-
| Rewind
| Nintendo Switch Online
|
|
|-
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_microphone|Microphone]]
|
|
|-
|-
| Savestates
| rowspan="3" |Networking
|Ethernet
|
|
|-
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
|Local wireless / GameShare
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=13 | Quality of life
|Wi-Fi
| Pause/Resume Emulation
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable Refresh Rate compatible]]
| rowspan="4" |System software
| colspan=2 | <small>Switch 2 is already supports variable fresh rate through Nvidia G-Sync in handheld mode.</small>
|HOME Menu
|
|-
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadeconhttps://om/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br/><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [https://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver].<br/>Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".</small>
|Mii Editor
| N/A<br/><small>Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway.</small>
|
|-
|-
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]
|[[Nintendo_Switch_Online#List_of_emulators|Nintendo Classics]]
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Save_converters|Built-in save manager]]
|[[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Native|Nintendo Switch backwards compatibility]]
|
|
|-
|-
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]
| rowspan="14" |Peripherals
| colspan="2" | [[Amiibo]]
|
|
|-
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| rowspan="9" | Controllers<ref group="lower-alpha">See PCGamingWiki: [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:Joy-Con Joy-Con] and [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Switch_Pro_Controller Switch Pro Controller] pages for more information about these controllers and PC connectivity/compatibility.</ref>
| GameCube controller
|
|
|-
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Patch Manager]]
|NES/Famicom controllers
|
|
|-
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
|Genesis Control Pad
|
|
|-
|-
| Command Line Options
|
[https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-64-controller/ Nintendo 64 controller]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
| [https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9_Ball_Plus Poké Ball Plus]
|
|
|-
|-
| Automatic Updater
| [https://switchbrew.org/wiki/Ring-Con Ring-Con]
|
|
|-
|-
|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth Stealth]<br/><small>Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, it still requires necessary [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system.</small>
| Single and dual Joy-Con 1 and Pro Controller 1
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=3 | Controls
| Single and dual Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
|SNES controller
|
|
|-
|-
| [https://docs.retroachievements.org/general/tutorials/turbo-button.html Turbo button]
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_console_games_that_support_keyboard_and_mouse#Nintendo_Switch_2|Keyboard and mouse]]
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=5 | Misc
| colspan="2" | [[Wikipedia:Nintendo_Labo|Nintendo Labo]]
| [[RetroAchievements]]
|
|
|-
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan="2" |Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
| colspan=2 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores]. So there is no support at the moment.
|
|-
|-
| AI Service<br/><small>With the help of <abbr title="optical character recognition">OCR</abbr> and other techniques, the AI service can provide a live translation of a game, or text-to-speech capabilities for the visually impaired among other things, either on demand or automatically.</small>
| colspan="2" |[[List_of_games_that_support_microphone|Wii U microphone]] (wired & wireless)
| colspan=11 | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/ai-service/ libretro cores] at the moment. So there is no support.
|
|-
|-
| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>
| rowspan="2" |Misc.
| <small>While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches.<br/>Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.
| colspan="2" |[[wikipedia:Category:Cloud-based_Nintendo_Switch_games|Cloud-based titles]]<ref>[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/53518/~/cloud-versions-of-games---faq]</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Games-Using-Cloud-Streaming-Technology-FAQ-1864576.html]</ref>
|
|-
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
|colspan="2"|Battery
|
|
|}
|}
</div>
<references group="lower-alpha" />
<references group=N2/>


==Emulation issues==
===Connectivity===
The Switch 2's custom CPU, [[Nintendo_Switch_emulators#Emulation_issues|unlike the vulnerable Tegra X1 with pre-existing exploits]], is likely built with stronger security measures. The hacking scene is in disarray, with Nintendo [[Legal_status_and_history_of_emulation#Nintendo|aggressively targeting emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx]], and their forks being quickly shut down. This hostile environment complicates homebrew development. Even if a Switch 2 emulator emerges in a few years, it will likely be tightly controlled within private communities, limiting accessibility.
Nintendo Switch 2 Local play games are divided into two groups; games with Local Wireless support, and games with LAN support. There are different requirements and rules for the two types. The difference is that Local Wireless is ad-hoc Wi-Fi between Switch radios. LAN is when the switches are joined to the same Wi-Fi access point.


See [https://gbatemp.net/threads/best-practice-for-preserving-switch-2-exploitability.671473/ GBATemp thread] for rumors about Switch 2 exploitability.
Using these technologies, one of the Switch 2's new features revealed is 'GameShare', a new way to play select games with your pals across multiple systems. GameShare lets you play multiplayer titles locally across different systems, with only one of you needing to have the game installed. This feature is available between Switch 2 systems and from Switch 2 to 'Switch 1' systems.[https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/features/gameshare/]
 
;Nintendo Switch Online{{Main|Nintendo Switch Online}}
 
For more information about other revive projects see [[Preservation_projects|Preservation projects]] page. You can play some of the online multiplayer capable Switch titles using [[Preservation_projects#Private_Game_Servers|revival private servers]].


{{Nintendo}}
{{Nintendo}}
[[Category:Nintendo Switch 2| ]]
[[Category:Very early emulation]]


[[Category:Consoles]]
{{#seo:
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
|keywords=video games,emulation,emulator,emu,wiki,download,recommended,guide,list,nintendo,switch
[[Category:Hybrid consoles]]
|description=Information and recommendations for the best {{PAGENAME}} and where to download them.
[[Category:Home consoles]]
|published_time={{#time:c|{{REVISIONTIMESTAMP}}}}
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
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[[Category:Ninth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Not yet emulated]]

Latest revision as of 14:01, 10 July 2026

Nintendo Switch 2
Top: Nintendo Switch 2 logo
Middle: In "handheld mode" with Joy-Con 2 attached
Bottom: In "TV mode" with Joy-Con 2 attached to a grip and the main unit docked
Developer Nintendo
Manufacturer Foxconn
Type Hybrid video game console
Generation Ninth
Release date WW: June 5, 2025
PHL/SG/TH: June 26, 2025
MY: July 3, 2025
TW: July 10, 2025
UAE: September 17, 2025
ARG: October 10, 2025
Predecessor Nintendo Switch
Emulated ✗
For emulators that run on the Nintendo Switch 2, see Emulators on Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a ninth-generation hybrid video game console by Nintendo released in 2025. First revealed in a trailer released on January 16, 2025, it is the successor to the Nintendo Switch, and it is Nintendo's first console to use a standardized numbering system to differentiate it from its predecessor (much like Sony's PlayStation family of home consoles). Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 uses a pair of detachable Joy-Con as its controllers and can be played on the TV by placing it in the dock or in handheld mode by taking it out. The Nintendo Switch 2 is slightly larger than the original Nintendo Switch, and its Joy-Con are connected directly to the sides of the console via gendered plugs rather than vertical slide locks. Additionally, the Joy-Con, when disconnected from the console, can be turned on their sides and moved around on a flat surface, akin to a computer mouse. The console also features an extra USB-C port at the top, and its kickstand extends across almost the full width of the console; the angle at which it is reclined can be adjusted. In a similar fashion to the Wii and Wii U, it is backwards compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.

The Switch 2 uses a custom Tegra T239 SoC designed by Nvidia, including 8 ARM Cortex-A78C CPU cores, 12 GBs of LPDDR5X RAM and an Nvidia Ampere based GPU with 1536 CUDA cores. It supports up to 4K at 60 Hz in docked mode or 1080p at 120Hz in handheld mode. It also supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and HDR10, has 256GB of faster storage compared to its predecessor, and a microphone for the new GameChat group calling feature as well as for games that support it.

Emulators

[edit | edit source]

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO EMULATORS FOR THIS DEVICE THAT CAN RUN COMMERCIAL GAMES AND/OR SOFTWARE.

The only projects that appear to be actively working on it are Pound and oboromi, however, neither has made any significant progress specific to the system so far.

Before editing, review the Getting involved and Recommended pages. See system requirements page for performance demand of the emulators.
See tables for enhancements, hardware features and peripherals.
For more details such as licensing, programming language, emulation method, visit each emulator’s dedicated page.
Name Platform(s) Latest version Compatibility License Active Recommended
x86
Pound Windows Linux macOS v0.0.0 (pre-release) N/A GPLv2 (Copyleft) ~[N 1] ✗ (WIP)
oboromi Windows Linux macOS v0.0.1-dynarmic (pre-release) N/A GPLv3 ✓ ✗ (WIP)
  1. ↑ Pound development is currently paused as development has "fully shifted to creating a new arm recompiler from the ground up."


Given the takedowns of Yuzu and Ryujinx, it is unlikely that a public working emulator will emerge anytime in the near future.

Enhancements

[edit | edit source]
Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
Name (emulator name)
Controls Disguise peripheral support through passthrough
Tricking the software into think that the original controller was connected even those identify themselves with different device IDs. When a game tries to identify a connected 'nearly the same internally' controller, emulator will tell it that the equivalent original controller is connected instead, allowing it to work.
Input lag-mitigating technique
Mouse injector
Real peripheral support (passthrough)
Ability to passthrough USB HID devices or Bluetooth adapter for emulated system.
Turbo button
Graphics Pre-rendering anti-aliasing
(MSAA, SSAA)
Ray tracing
(DXR, VRT and MRT) 		Hardware accelerated ray tracing is already supported.[1]
Resizable internal resolution
RTX Remix Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.
Super-resolution techniques
(DLSS, XeSS and FSR 2+) 		DLSS is already supported.[2]
Texture replacement
Ultra-widescreen hack
Widescreen already supported on the console. But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.
Performance Frame generation technologies
(LSFG, DLSS-FG and SM, XeSS-FG, AFMF and FSR FG)
Internal frame rate hack
Overclock
Rendering latency reduction technologies
(LatencyFleX, Reflex, Xe-LL and Anti-Lag+) 		While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing proprietary rendering latency reduction technologies is not currently feasible.
Post-processing AI-powered filter
(Freestyle)
Filters
Inverse tone mapping Nintendo Switch 2 already has HDR10 capability.
Post-rendering anti-aliasing
(FXAA, TXAA, and MLAA/SMAA)
Post-rendering scaling
(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and FSR 1) 		FSR 1 is already available.
Shader chain
Quality of life Automatic updater
Big Picture Mode
Built-in cheat manager
Built-in custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes
For using this on Windows OS you need CRT Emudriver. Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility". 		N/A
Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway.
Built-in mod editor and manager
Built-in patch manager
Built-in save manager
Command-line options
Pause/resume emulation
Per-game profiles
Portable and Stealth
Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary prerequisites and dependencies for your operating system if it is not statically linked.
Streamable compression format
Variable refresh rate Nintendo Switch 2 already supports variable fresh rate through Nvidia G-Sync, although currently only in handheld mode.
TAS features Fast forward/Turbo speed
Macros/Scripts/Lua
Movie recording/playback
Rewind
Save states
Misc. Screen translator
Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically. 		You can use RetroArch's AI Service or the standalone offline bquenin's Interpreter.
Rich Presence (RPC)
Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.
Debug Features
EmuVR support Exclusive to libretro cores. So there is no support at the moment.
Free Look
Free Look is an enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera. 		While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches. Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.


Hardware features and peripherals

[edit | edit source]
Please only include recommended emulators in this table. Do not bump or spam GitHub threads, issues, or feature request pages.
Name (emulator name)
Controller features HD rumble
IR motion camera support for Joy-Con 1[1]
Joy-Con 2 mouse mode[2]
Motion sensor
NFC
Touchscreen
Hardware features Connectivity Nintendo Switch App, Smart Device Mode, and Zelda Notes
Nintendo Switch Online
Microphone
Networking Ethernet
Local wireless / GameShare
Wi-Fi
System software HOME Menu
Mii Editor
Nintendo Classics
Nintendo Switch backwards compatibility
Peripherals Amiibo
Controllers[lower-alpha 1] GameCube controller
NES/Famicom controllers
Genesis Control Pad

Nintendo 64 controller

Poké Ball Plus
Ring-Con
Single and dual Joy-Con 1 and Pro Controller 1
Single and dual Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2
SNES controller
Keyboard and mouse
Nintendo Labo
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Wii U microphone (wired & wireless)
Misc. Cloud-based titles[3][4]
Battery
  1. ↑ See PCGamingWiki: Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller pages for more information about these controllers and PC connectivity/compatibility.

Connectivity

[edit | edit source]

Nintendo Switch 2 Local play games are divided into two groups; games with Local Wireless support, and games with LAN support. There are different requirements and rules for the two types. The difference is that Local Wireless is ad-hoc Wi-Fi between Switch radios. LAN is when the switches are joined to the same Wi-Fi access point.

Using these technologies, one of the Switch 2's new features revealed is 'GameShare', a new way to play select games with your pals across multiple systems. GameShare lets you play multiplayer titles locally across different systems, with only one of you needing to have the game installed. This feature is available between Switch 2 systems and from Switch 2 to 'Switch 1' systems.[3]

Nintendo Switch Online
Main article: Nintendo Switch Online

For more information about other revive projects see Preservation projects page. You can play some of the online multiplayer capable Switch titles using revival private servers.

Nintendo(edit)


  1. ↑ Joy-Con 2 lacks support for IR camera, an original Joy-Con pair must be used for games that supports it.
  2. ↑ [4]
  3. ↑ [5]
  4. ↑ [6]
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