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Backwards compatibility on game consoles can sometimes be a bit tricky. Compound this with misinformation on the internet and its easy to think one game will work on another platform! Below is a simple guide to help you know what games will/might work on different consoles.
(*note, we test our items on original release consoles to insure they function. Backwards compatibility is sometimes via emulation, therefore we cannot guarantee the manufacturer has not made changes - ask us before ordering!)
🎮 Backward Compatibility Matrix
| Console | Backward Compatible With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atari 7800 | Atari 2600 | Full hardware compatibility with most 2600 cartridges. |
| Sega Master System | SG-1000 | Compatible with SG-1000 cartridges. |
| Sega Genesis | Sega Master System | Requires Power Base Converter accessory for compatibility. |
| Game Boy Color | Game Boy | Fully compatible with original Game Boy cartridges. |
| Game Boy Advance | Game Boy, Game Boy Color | Full backward compatibility with both previous handhelds. |
| Nintendo DS | Game Boy Advance | Compatible with GBA cartridges via dedicated slot. |
| Nintendo 3DS | Nintendo DS | Full compatibility with DS cartridges. |
| PlayStation 2 | PlayStation 1 | Full compatibility; some minor issues with specific titles. |
| PlayStation 3 | PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2 | Early models (20GB/60GB) had hardware support for PS2 (4 USB port models); later models removed PS2 compatibility. All models support PS1 games. |
| PlayStation 4 | None | No native backward compatibility |
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 4 | Compatible with most PS4 games; a few titles may not function properly. |
| Xbox 360 | Original Xbox | Limited compatibility with select titles via software emulation. |
| Xbox One | Xbox 360, Original Xbox | Limited compatibility with select titles; requires digital downloads. |
| Xbox Series X/S | Xbox One, Xbox 360, Original Xbox | Broad compatibility with thousands of titles; Series S runs Xbox One S versions with enhancements. |
| Nintendo Wii | Nintendo GameCube | Full compatibility with GameCube discs and accessories. |
| Nintendo Wii U | Nintendo Wii | Full compatibility with Wii discs and accessories. |
| Nintendo Switch | None | No backward compatibility with previous Nintendo consoles. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch | Confirmed compatibility with most Switch games and accessories; some titles may have issues. |
📝 Additional Notes
-
PlayStation 3: Only the original 20GB and 60GB models included hardware for PS2 compatibility. Later models removed this feature, retaining only PS1 compatibility.
-
Xbox Series X/S: While offering extensive backward compatibility, some enhancements available on the Xbox One X may not be present on the Series S.
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Nintendo Switch 2: Set to launch on June 5, 2025, the Switch 2 will support most Switch games and accessories, though approximately 180 titles may face compatibility issues.
If you have specific questions about a particular console or need more detailed information on compatibility for certain games, feel free to ask!
