Retro Revival: Switch 2 Firmware Fixes Backward Compatibility Woes

A quiet firmware update just brought big relief for fans of classic games on the Nintendo Switch 2. The version 20.1.5 update, released earlier this week, didn’t say much in its official notes—just the usual “general system stability improvements”—but the impact is now clear: retro games are back in action.

On June 19, Limited Run Games confirmed that the update fixes backward compatibility issues affecting multiple titles built with its Carbon Engine, a tool used to modernize and re-release retro favorites. Players can now enjoy smooth gameplay across several classics, including:

• Tomba: Special Edition
• Shantae
• River City Girls Zero
• Felix the Cat
• Trip World DX
• …and seven more fan-favorite throwbacks

These games had previously been struggling to launch or were riddled with texture bugs and performance hiccups on the Switch 2. After updating to firmware 20.1.5, players report that these problems are resolved.

But not every game is back on track just yet. The Gex Trilogy is still facing compatibility issues. Limited Run has submitted a patch, but the Juneteenth holiday has delayed Nintendo’s certification process. The game has been temporarily removed from the Switch 2 eShop and will return once the patch is approved and deployed.

Here’s the full list of fixed Carbon Engine titles:

• Clock Tower: Rewind
• Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection
• Tomba: Special Edition
• River City Girls Zero
• A Boy and His Blob Collection
• Rocket Knight Adventures
• Shantae
• Bill & Ted’s Excellent Retro Collection
• Xtreme Sports
• Trip World DX
• Felix the Cat
• Rendering Ranger R-2: Rewind

Looking ahead, titles like Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection and Tomba 2 are still slated for release on Switch 2 in 2025, but this update sets a hopeful tone for future retro releases.