Free Switch 2 Game Update Changes
Nintendo has detailed what improvements players should expect with free Switch 2 updates for original Switch games, such as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. The benefits range from frame-rate improvements to HDR support–and all 12 patches arrive on Switch 2’s launch of June 5.
Switch 2 is backwards compatible with almost all original Switch games, though there are some exceptions. Nintendo has only pointed to these 12 games as receiving free Switch 2 updates so far, and there has been no indication of other titles getting patched in the future. Added GameShare and GameChat functionality are two newly touted social features for Switch 2. The former can let players share a game to other people (even on the original Switch) with just a single copy of the game. Meanwhile, GameChat lets people talk together online and even share their gameplay over the internet.
The Nintendo website provides game specifics for the Switch 2 updates, as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet will see better image quality and improved frame rates on the upcoming hybrid console. Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will receive upgraded image quality and HDR support, yet nothing is noted for the game’s previously reported frame-rate issues. However, there is speculation the title has an uncapped frame rate that will naturally benefit from running on the more powerful Switch 2.
In addition to these free updates, there will also be paid Switch 2 Editions of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Below is the list of Switch games getting free Switch 2 updates and how they will improve. Don’t forget the system’s tablet features HDR support, but a compatible TV is needed in docked mode.
Arms
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
- Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with three or more players)
- HDR support
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
GameShare support
- Up to four people can play in Party Mode
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- 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
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
GameShare support
- Up to four people can play 34 games
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Game Builder Garage
- 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
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
Pokemon Scarlet/Violet
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
- Frame rate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
- Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser’s Fury)
- HDR support (Bowser’s Fury only)
GameShare support:
- 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
- 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
- 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
