As the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 prepares to officially roll out, players are curious about how their beloved games will fare on the new platform. One of the most important aspects of the Switch 2 launch is the presence of upgrades for older games.
Although many original Nintendo Switch titles will work on the Switch 2, others will see upgrades that enhance performance. These updates exist in two capacities: free and paid. What games are receiving free improvements on the new console?
What Games Receive Free Upgrades to the Nintendo Switch 2?
Below is a list of Nintendo Switch titles that will receive a free upgrade when the Switch 2 drops, according to CNET.
- "Arms"
- "Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain"
- "Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker"
- "Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics"
- "Game Builder Garage"
- "The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom"
- "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening"
- "New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe"
- "Pokemon Scarlet and Violet"
- "Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury"
- "Super Mario Odyssey"
What Sets These Free Upgrades Apart?
Nintendo says that these free updates will improve the "playability" of the games on the Switch 2. That may be in the form of enhanced performance, better graphics, or added features such as GameShare, depending on the game. Some games may get only slight tweaks, while others may have more substantial changes, making the games feel new and better than ever.
For instance, iconic games such as "Super Mario Odyssey" and "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening" will enjoy seamless gameplay and improved performance on the Switch 2. We expect that they will run smoother on top of having enhanced visuals, compatibility, and quicker loading times.
The Difference Between Free and Paid Upgrades
Though most Nintendo Switch games will receive these free updates, some will need to pay for an update to unlock new features or improved performance. It's not yet certain why a free update will be given to some games, but others will come with a price tag.
"Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" are some of the Switch 2 games that will soon have different pricing.
Maybe it's because of the work involved in fine-tuning the Switch 2 games, or the degree of improvement that would warrant charging players for the update.
Interestingly, "Breath of the Wild" and "Tears of the Kingdom" will need a paid update, despite other Zelda titles getting free updates.
