Nintendo Switch Software Play Mode, Accessory, and Features Compatibility FAQ

In this article, you'll learn about the different types of game play modes that are compatible with each Nintendo Switch family system, as well as information on compatible accessories and supported features.

Note: Learn more about the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems to see which one (or two) works for you.

Play Modes

Which play modes are compatible with my system?

Handheld Mode Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

TableTop Mode Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite does not have a stand, but it can be played in tabletop mode using the Adjustable Charging Stand for Nintendo Switch (sold separately), or a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.

For games that support Tabletop mode, players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately), such as the Joy-Con or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, to Nintendo Switch Lite.

TV Mode Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

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 Nintendo.com.au game detail pages, and in Nintendo eShop game listings.

Accessories

Which accessories are compatible with my system?

Joy-Con Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

The Joy-Con can be used as wireless controllers on Nintendo Switch Lite, or connected as wired controllers using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

A Nintendo Switch system or the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately) is required to charge the Joy-Con controllers.

Pro Controller Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

The Pro Controller can be used as a wireless controller on Nintendo Switch Lite, or connected as a wired controller using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

Switch Dock Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode.

HDMI cable Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode. Switch AC Adapter Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

microSD Card Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

USB LAN Adapter Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

This accessory can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

Poké Ball Plus Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

This accessory can be paired and used only as a wireless controller on Nintendo Switch family systems.

Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

The NES Controllers can be paired and used only as wireless controllers on Nintendo Switch Lite.

A Nintendo Switch system is required to charge the NES Controllers.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

This accessory can be used as a wireless controller on Nintendo Switch Lite, or connected as wired controllers using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

GameCube Controller Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

This accessory can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

GameCube Controller Adapter Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

This accessory can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

How do I know which accessories are compatible with specific software?

All compatible accessories for a game can be found on each Nintendo eShop game listing and in our Online Game Store on Nintendo.com.

Features

Which features are available on my system?

HD Rumble Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

This feature is unavailable on a standalone Nintendo Switch Lite, but it may be used with the system by pairing a supported, wireless controller.

Motion Controls Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

NFC Functionality Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite

IR Motion Camera Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

This feature is unavailable on a standalone Nintendo Switch Lite, but it may be used with the system by pairing a supported, wireless controller.

Wired Internet Communication Yes - Nintendo Switch No - Nintendo Switch Lite

This feature can be used with Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite by HORI.

Wireless Internet Communication Yes - Nintendo Switch Yes - Nintendo Switch Lite