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.
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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
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