Home News Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Boosts for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2

Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Boosts for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2

Author : Henry May 22,2025

Nintendo has released an exciting update for fans, unveiling a list of Switch 1 games that will receive a free performance upgrade when played on the Nintendo Switch 2. This initiative promises to enhance your gaming experience with several key improvements, ensuring that your favorite titles perform better than ever on the new console.

Among the games slated for upgrades are fan favorites like Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. These titles are just the beginning of a broader effort to optimize gameplay for the Switch 2.

According to Nintendo's official statement on their website, players can access these free updates by connecting their Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update. These updates are designed to improve graphics and introduce new features such as GameShare, though the specific enhancements will vary by game.

It's important to distinguish these free upgrades from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer free upgrades exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

So, what can you expect from these upgrades? Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will boast "improved image quality" tailored for high-resolution TVs and an "improved" framerate for "smoother movement." Meanwhile, Super Mario Odyssey will introduce HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy the game together—one controlling Mario and the other handling Cappy.

Interestingly, Nintendo's list does not mention framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission given their known performance issues.

For more insights into Nintendo's plans, don't miss our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. He shares details about the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other exciting developments around the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo San Francisco Store Photos

View 47 Images

Here’s the list of free updates for selected Nintendo Switch games:


51 Worldwide Games

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

GameShare support: up to four people can play 34 games. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

ARMS

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Framerate: optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with three or more players).
HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

GameShare support: up to four people can play in Party Mode. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support
GameShare support: two people can play all of the courses. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

Game Builder Garage

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Framerate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Framerate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser's Fury).
HDR support
GameShare compatibility: up to four people can play Super Mario 3D World. In Bowser's Fury, two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

Super Mario Odyssey

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support
GameShare support: two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support

Latest Articles More
  • RAID Shadow Legends: From Easy to Ultra-Nightmare Clan Boss Guide

    The Clan Boss in RAID: Shadow Legends stands as one of the game's most significant challenges, offering top-tier rewards such as shards, legendary tomes, and powerful gear for those who conquer it daily. Progressing from Easy to the daunting Ultra-Nightmare difficulty is a journey that doesn't happe

    May 22,2025
  • Bethesda to Unveil Oblivion Remake Tomorrow

    After months filled with rumors and leaks, it appears that Bethesda is on the verge of officially announcing the much-anticipated remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The announcement is set to take place tomorrow at 11:00 am EST, and fans can catch the reveal live on both YouTube and Twitch. T

    May 22,2025
  • "Alphadia III: Kemco's Latest JRPG Now Available on Mobile"

    If you're a fan of JRPGs, you're likely well-acquainted with publisher Kemco, known for releasing a variety of cult classics from Japan. Their latest offering, Alphadia III, is now available on Android and iOS, perfect for your weekend gaming sessions. If the name rings a bell, you've probably alrea

    May 22,2025
  • CyberPowerPC RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PCs on Amazon from $2070

    The GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, released in late February at a suggested retail price of $749.99, has quickly become a sought-after component due to its impressive performance. However, finding it at the initial price has become challenging as both personal sellers and manufacturers have infl

    May 22,2025
  • Monster Hunter Puzzles: A Candy Crush Twist with Palicoes and Monsters!

    Capcom has just released an enchanting new game titled Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles. This match-3 puzzle game offers a delightful twist to the beloved Monster Hunter universe, blending the thrill of monster battles with the charm of a casual, feline-filled adventure. If you're a fan of Monst

    May 22,2025
  • Handling the Wandering Drunk in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Tips and Strategies

    In *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, you'll encounter a diverse array of NPCs, ranging from friendly to hostile, and deciphering their intentions can be challenging. If you're curious about handling the Wandering Drunk in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, here's a detailed guide to help you.Kingdom Come D

    May 22,2025