A developer has reportedly managed to run two Nintendo Switch 2 games on the original Nintendo Switch, demonstrating how software modifications and performance optimizations can overcome some hardware limitations.
The experiments involve Mario Kart World and Pokémon Pokopia, two games designed for Nintendo's newer console.
Developer @touhoufagyuri shared several videos showing both titles running on modified original Switch hardware, with assistance from an AI development tool called DeepSeek Harness.
Although the results appear promising, both games require substantial adjustments, and neither port is available publicly.
Mario Kart World Runs on Original Switch With Major Optimizations
Getting Mario Kart World running on the original Nintendo Switch reportedly required several rounds of development.
Early experiments produced extremely poor performance, but subsequent changes improved the game's responsiveness.
The developer reduced rendering resolution, used precompiled shaders, adjusted level of detail settings and overclocked the console to improve performance.
These modifications eventually brought the racing game closer to a playable state.
However, occasional stuttering and visual problems remain, while significant portions of the free roam experience have reportedly been reduced or removed.
The results suggest that selected gameplay sections can operate on older hardware, although they do not demonstrate full compatibility.
Pokémon Pokopia Reaches Playable Performance at 720p
The developer also demonstrated Pokémon Pokopia running on an overclocked original Nintendo Switch.
Initial testing at 1080p reportedly produced frame rates between 10 and 15 FPS, making the experience difficult to play.
Reducing the resolution to 720p improved performance considerably.
The developer also limited the game to 30 FPS after observing inconsistent frame pacing when performance approached 35 FPS.
| Game | Reported modifications | Remaining limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Reduced resolution, precompiled shaders, forced level of detail and overclocking | Stuttering, rendering issues and reduced free roam content |
| Pokémon Pokopia | 720p resolution, overclocking and 30 FPS cap | Possible stability and performance problems |
These demonstrations are based on limited testing rather than complete playthroughs.
Additional technical problems could emerge during longer sessions or more demanding gameplay sequences.
Developer Will Not Release the Modified Games Publicly
Despite demonstrating the projects online, the developer has confirmed that the modified game code will remain private.
The decision reflects potential legal concerns surrounding unofficial modifications and the distribution of proprietary Nintendo software.
The experiments follow recent progress in Nintendo Switch 2 security research, which has enabled additional homebrew development and emulation projects.
However, the demonstrations do not establish that Switch 2 games can generally run on the original console.
For now, the projects remain technical demonstrations showing what targeted software optimization can achieve on older hardware, rather than practical alternatives to purchasing a Nintendo Switch 2.
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