Nintendo reveals free Switch 2 upgrades for Switch 1 games

Nintendo has announced a selection of Switch games receiving complimentary performance enhancements for Switch 2, detailing the expected improvements.

Titles including Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will all benefit from performance upgrades on Switch 2.

The official statement from Nintendo's website explains:

By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and updating the system, you can download free updates for certain games that may enhance graphics or enable features like GameShare. The specific improvements vary by game.

These upgrades are completely free and distinct from Nintendo Switch 2 Edition releases, which represent premium upgrades (except for The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, offering free upgrades to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers).

Notable improvements include:

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet receiving enhanced image quality for high-resolution displays and smoother framerates

• Super Mario Odyssey gaining HDR support and GameShare functionality for cooperative online play

Surprisingly, Nintendo's announcement omits framerate improvements for certain Zelda titles despite their documented performance issues.

For additional Nintendo insights, explore our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser regarding the newly launched Nintendo San Francisco store and Switch developments.

Nintendo San Francisco Store Gallery

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Complimentary Nintendo Switch Game Enhancements

51 Worldwide Games

Update Release: 05/06/2025

Adds GameShare support for 34 games accommodating up to four players locally or online via GameChat.

ARMS

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Enhanced visuals optimized for Switch 2 displays and 4K TVs
• Improved framerate for fluid gameplay
• Added HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Update Release: 05/06/2025

Introduces four-player GameShare functionality for Party Mode.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Visual enhancements for Switch 2 displays
• HDR implementation
• Two-player GameShare support

Game Builder Garage

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Display optimizations
• Added Joy-Con 2 mouse control compatibility

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Update Release: 05/06/2025

Enhanced visual presentation.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Improved display quality
• Smoother framerate performance

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Visual enhancements
• Framerate improvements
• HDR support
• Expanded multiplayer options

Super Mario Odyssey

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Display optimizations
• HDR implementation
• Two-player GameShare functionality

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Visual improvements
• Added HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Update Release: 05/06/2025

• Enhanced graphics
• HDR implementation