can skylanders be used on any system

"Can Skylanders Work on Any Console?

By Mark DavisJanuary 18, 2026

One of the most compelling aspects of Skylanders, the popular action-platform video game franchise, is its versatility across numerous gaming systems. But the question remains: can Skylanders be used on any system? Let's delve into this query, exploring the compatibility of Skylanders games and figures across various gaming platforms.

Skylanders games were initially released on the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. With the evolution of gaming consoles, the series has adapted, expanding to newer systems like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. However, the compatibility isn't just about consoles; it also extends to portable gaming devices and computers.

Cross-Generation Compatibility

Skylanders has made efforts to ensure their games are playable across multiple generations of consoles. This means that you can use your Skylanders figures from older games on newer systems, given that the games themselves are available on those platforms. For instance, figures from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure and Giants are compatible with games up to Skylanders Imaginators on newer consoles.

the back side of a poster with words on it and pictures of cartoon characters in different colors

the guide to the skylanders of swap force is shown in this poster, with instructions

However, there are a few exceptions. The Skylanders SuperChargers game introduced vehicle toys that are not backwards compatible. Also, the portal used to interact with the figures and read their data has changed over the years, so older portals may not work with the latest games and vice versa.

Nintendo Consoles

Skylanders games have been consistently released on Nintendo consoles. As of now, all Skylanders games up to Skylanders Imaginators are available on the Wii U, and some are available on the Nintendo 3DS. While most figures are compatible across these systems, the Nintendo Switch currently only supports games from Skylanders SuperChargers onwards.

a blue basket filled with lots of toys on top of a carpeted floor next to a table

a young boy holding up a box with toy figures in front of his face and mouth

Since Nintendo consoles are known for their unique control schemes, some Skylanders games come with motion controls for a more immersive experience.

PlayStation and Xbox Consoles

The PlayStation and Xbox consoles have seen all Skylanders games releases, with the exception of a few which were Nintendo console exclusives. The cross-generational compatibility on these consoles is relatively high, with most figures working across the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, but not the PS2 and original Xbox.

Some games also support the usage of the DualShock 4's built-in touchpad for interacting with features in the game, providing an additional layer of interactivity.

an aisle in a toy store filled with toys

an assortment of toy figurines on a wooden floor

a drawing of a skeleton with a bat on it's back, holding an orange ball

PC and Mobile Devices

Although Skylanders started as a console-centric franchise, it has since made its way onto PC and mobile devices. The PC versions support all Skylanders figures, provided you have a compatible Blizzard Battle.net account. However, the mobile version, SkylandersRing of Heroes, released for iOS and Android, uses its own unique pool of figures.

The PC and mobile versions allow for cross-platform play, meaning you can play with friends on different platforms, opening the game up to a broader, more diverse audience.

Skylanders on Mobile Devices

Skylanders Ring of Heroes is a turn-based RPG that features many Skylanders characters. While it uses familiar figures like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot, it introduces new, mobile-specific figures and elements. The mobile game is unique in that it uses a gacha system for acquiring new figures, unlike other Skylanders games where you need to physically purchase figures.

an illuminated wooden box filled with lots of different colored candles

an assortment of toy figurines on display

the cartoon characters are lined up in different colors and sizes, with each character's name

Despite the change in gameplay mechanics and figure acquisition, Skylanders Ring of Heroes maintains the core of what makes Skylanders great: collecting and strategically using your favorite characters to battle through various levels and challenges.

In essence, the Skylanders series offers a high degree of cross-platform compatibility, ensuring that players can use their figures across multiple gaming systems. This backward compatibility is a testament to the series' commitment to its community, allowing players to constantly expand their collections without having to worry about whether their figures will work on future systems. So, while not every system can use every Skylanders game or figure, the series offers a wide range of compatibility across various platforms.