Playing 3DS games on Nintendo Switch: is that possible?

The Switch is the current game console from Nintendo. In this practical tip, we will tell you whether 3DS games can also be started on it.

Playing 3DS games on Nintendo Switch: is that possible?

In a nutshell: No, games for the Nintendo 3DS are not playable on the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is neither a new edition of the Nintendo 3DS nor a successor, which is why only titles specially developed for the console run on it.

• 3DS modules will not be supported in the future either, since the Nintendo Switch does not have a suitable slot.
• In theory, Nintendo could publish at least some 3DS games digitally through the Nintendo Game Store for the Nintendo Switch in the future, but no announcements have yet been made.
• Nintendo has already made many older video games from other consoles available via emulation on the Wii, Wii U and 3DS, but this so-called virtual console program has not yet been started on the Switch and it is questionable whether this will also be 3DS titles would contain.
• Theoretically, there could also be unofficial 3DS emulators for the Nintendo Switch in the future, since the performance of the console is sufficient for this. Such software has not yet been available. In addition, use would not be legal in most cases.

If you have already played through all of your switch games, you can also watch YouTube on the console for a change. We will explain how to access the service in the next practical tip.