Nintendo just launched a new compatibility checker website to help players figure out which Switch games work properly on the Switch 2. It’s a straightforward tool that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. But the internet being the internet, fans immediately discovered something way more interesting. The site is secretly an enormous archive of high-resolution video game wallpapers, with over 26,000 titles available for anyone to download.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility Information site lets you search for any game listed on the Nintendo eShop to see how it runs on the new console. Most games return a simple message saying they’re supported and the game behavior is consistent with the original Switch. Some flag potential issues or note when problems were fixed through updates. It’s useful information for anyone upgrading to Nintendo’s latest hardware.
The Unexpected Discovery
VGC Discord member Chron noticed something interesting about the site. Every single game listed includes a 1080p image of the official game artwork and title card. By simply right-clicking the artwork and saving it to your computer, you can grab pristine wallpapers for thousands of games. The images are high quality, properly formatted, and perfect for desktop or mobile backgrounds.
This wasn’t intentional. The site is pulling artwork directly from the eShop database, where 1080p title images are apparently a requirement for every game listing. Nintendo didn’t build this as a wallpaper archive. They built a compatibility checker that happens to serve up beautiful artwork for every single game on the platform. It’s the best kind of accident.
According to the US Nintendo website, there are currently more than 26,000 games listed on the North American Switch eShop. All of them can be searched on the compatibility site. That means 26,000 potential wallpapers spanning indie darlings, AAA blockbusters, obscure Japanese imports, and everything in between.
Regional Artwork Variations
Here’s where it gets even better. You can change the region of the compatibility site to access different versions of game artwork. Switch to the Japanese site and you’ll get artwork featuring Japanese logos and design elements. European regions have their own variations. Some games have dramatically different cover art depending on the region, making this a goldmine for collectors and enthusiasts.
For example, games that released with different titles in different regions will show their localized artwork. Japanese exclusive titles that never got Western releases are still searchable if you know the name. It’s like having access to every regional eShop’s visual library without needing separate accounts or VPNs.
No Filter, No Restrictions
The site has zero filtering in place. It doesn’t prioritize major releases over obscure indies. There’s no quality threshold. If a game exists on the eShop, its artwork is accessible through the compatibility checker. This includes gems that flew under the radar, shovelware that deserved to stay buried, and yes, even the numerous adult-themed games that somehow made it onto Nintendo’s family-friendly platform.
VGC specifically called out Bullseye, one of the only games to score a single star in their review system, as being searchable on the site. The artwork is there. The compatibility information is there. Nintendo makes no judgment about quality. Everything gets equal treatment, which is simultaneously hilarious and incredibly useful.
How to Use It
Using the compatibility site as a wallpaper archive is simple. Head to Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Compatibility Information page. Type any Switch game title into the search bar. When the results appear, right-click the artwork image and select save image or whatever equivalent your browser uses. That’s it. You now have a 1080p wallpaper of that game’s official artwork.
You can batch download if you want to build a collection. Search for your favorite franchises, save all the artwork, and create a rotating wallpaper folder on your computer. The images are consistent in quality and format, making them easy to organize and use.
For content creators, this is an absolute treasure. YouTubers and streamers who cover Nintendo games now have easy access to official artwork for thumbnails and graphics. Wiki editors can grab high-quality images without resorting to screenshots or unofficial sources. Fan communities have a centralized location for game artwork instead of hunting across multiple websites.
What the Site Was Actually Built For
Let’s not forget the site’s actual purpose. Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in June 2025 with promises of extensive backward compatibility with the original Switch library. While the vast majority of games work flawlessly, some have issues related to specific hardware features or performance quirks.
The compatibility site helps players understand what to expect before buying or downloading a game on Switch 2. Games are labeled as supported if behavior is consistent with the original Switch. Some titles note that previously identified issues have been resolved with updates. Others flag ongoing problems or explain why certain features won’t work on the new hardware.
For example, Nintendo Labo VR Kit is listed as incompatible because the Switch 2 console physically cannot fit into the Toy-Con VR Goggles accessory. Streaming apps like Hulu and Crunchyroll are marked as unsupported on Switch 2. These specifics help players make informed decisions about their purchases and prevent frustration.
The Broader Context
The Switch 2 launched with near-universal backward compatibility for physical cartridges and digital purchases. Both can be accessed on the new console through account transfers. Players have reported faster load times, more stable frame rates, and improved image clarity on many older titles thanks to the upgraded hardware.
Nintendo has been actively patching both games and system software to improve compatibility since launch. The compatibility site reflects these ongoing efforts, with games moving from problematic to fully supported as updates roll out. It’s a living document that changes as Nintendo continues refining the experience.
The fact that this useful tool also accidentally became a wallpaper archive is very Nintendo. They created something practical and functional without overthinking the visual presentation. The artwork was already in the database for eShop listings, so why not display it prominently? Nobody anticipated fans would use it for anything beyond compatibility checking, but here we are.
FAQs
Where can I find the Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility site?
The official Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility Information site is accessible through Nintendo’s main website. You can search for any Switch game to check its compatibility status and access the artwork.
How many game wallpapers are available?
Over 26,000 games from the North American Nintendo Switch eShop are searchable, each with high-quality 1080p artwork. Regional versions multiply this number further.
Can I change regions to get different artwork?
Yes, you can switch the site to different regions like Japan or Europe to access localized artwork featuring different logos, designs, and sometimes completely different cover art.
Are all Switch games compatible with Switch 2?
The vast majority of Switch games work on Switch 2, but some are incompatible due to hardware requirements. Games requiring specific accessories like Labo VR Goggles cannot be played, and some streaming apps are unsupported.
Is the artwork free to download?
The images are displayed publicly on Nintendo’s official website and can be saved with a simple right-click. However, they remain copyrighted material owned by Nintendo and the respective publishers.
Why does every game have 1080p artwork?
The site pulls artwork directly from the eShop database, where 1080p title images appear to be a requirement for all game listings regardless of size or popularity.
When did the Switch 2 launch?
The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched in June 2025, featuring improved hardware while maintaining backward compatibility with most original Switch games and accessories.
Conclusion
Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility website is exactly what the company intended it to be, a practical tool for checking game compatibility on new hardware. But like many of the best internet discoveries, its unintended use as a massive wallpaper archive has become far more interesting than its original purpose.
With over 26,000 games accessible, regional variations to explore, and no quality filters to limit what you can find, the site has become an invaluable resource for fans, creators, and anyone who appreciates video game artwork. The fact that Nintendo didn’t plan for this usage makes it even more charming.
So yes, you can use the site to check if your favorite Switch games work properly on Switch 2. That’s useful information worth having. But you can also spend hours browsing through thousands of beautiful game covers, discovering titles you never knew existed, and building the ultimate collection of gaming wallpapers. Sometimes the best features are the ones nobody intended to create.