The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 brought not only backward compatibility but also upgrades for several games originally released on the first Switch, delivering better visuals, performance improvements and new features across multiple titles.
[h2]What counts as an upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2?[/h2]
“Upgrade” on the Switch 2 covers three distinct situations developers and players will encounter:
- Technical patch: a free update from the developer that unlocks higher resolution (including 4K in docked mode), steadier frame rates, ray tracing, HDR or other enhancements that take advantage of the Switch 2 hardware.
- Definitive/paid re-release: a new edition of the game, often bundling all DLC, adding graphical improvements and sometimes introducing new modes or content, which is sold as a separate product.
- Automatic gains via backward compatibility: the original game files remain unchanged, but the title benefits from the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware with faster load times and more consistent performance.
[h2]Games upgraded for Nintendo Switch 2[/h2]
The following first‑Switch titles received one of the upgrade types listed above for Switch 2:
- ARMS – improved resolution, higher frame rate, HDR;
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain – added GameShare support;
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – improved resolution, HDR;
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics – added GameShare support;
- Game Builder Garage – improved resolution, added mouse controls;
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – improved resolution;
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – improved resolution and frame rate;
- Splatoon 3 – improved resolution and frame rate;
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – improved resolution and frame rate, HDR improvements for Bowser’s Fury, GameShare support;
- Super Mario Odyssey – improved resolution, HDR, GameShare support;
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – improved resolution, HDR;
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – improved resolution, HDR.
[h2]How to check if a game has a Switch 2 upgrade[/h2]
Look for editions labeled as “Nintendo Switch 2” and consult Nintendo’s published lists of titles receiving enhancements. When the Switch 2 is online, the console will also detect available updates when you launch a game and prompt for any patches intended to leverage the new hardware.
What the upgrades mean for players
By offering free technical patches, paid reissues and automatic performance benefits through backward compatibility, Nintendo aims to preserve players’ existing libraries while improving the experience on its new hardware. The range of upgrade types gives developers flexibility in how they bring older titles to the Switch 2 and gives players multiple ways to enjoy enhanced versions of games they already own.
