Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Upgrades for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2

Nintendo has announced a series of free performance upgrades for select Nintendo Switch games on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This exciting news promises enhanced gameplay experiences for fans eager to revisit their favorite titles with improved visuals and new features.

Games such as Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom are among those slated for significant enhancements. Here's a detailed look at what players can expect from these upgrades:

Official Nintendo Statement

By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update, you can download free updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add support for features such as GameShare. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game.

Key Upgrades and Features

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Fans can look forward to "improved image quality" optimized for high-resolution TVs and a smoother framerate for enhanced gameplay.
• Super Mario Odyssey: The game will receive HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy cooperative play online, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.
• Arms: This title will benefit from optimized visuals for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs, along with a smoother framerate, even during multiplayer sessions with three or more players.
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Players will enjoy optimized visuals and HDR support, enhancing the visual experience on the new console.

Additional Games Receiving Upgrades

• 51 Worldwide Games: GameShare support for up to four players in 34 games, playable locally or online via GameChat.
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain: GameShare support for up to four players in Party Mode, available locally or online.
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: Optimized visuals, HDR support, and GameShare for two players across all courses.
• Game Builder Garage: Optimized visuals and support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Optimized visuals for enhanced image quality.
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Improved visuals, framerate, HDR support, and GameShare for up to four players in Super Mario 3D World and cooperative play in Bowser's Fury.
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: Enhanced visuals and HDR support.

Important Notes

These upgrades are free and distinct from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. Notably, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive free upgrades for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

It's worth mentioning that the list does not include framerate fixes for the top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission given their known performance issues.

Release Dates

All these updates are scheduled to be released on 05/06/2025, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade experience for Nintendo Switch 2 owners.

For more insights into Nintendo's latest developments, including the new Nintendo San Francisco store, be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.

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These free updates promise to breathe new life into beloved Nintendo Switch titles, ensuring that fans can enjoy enhanced gameplay and new features on the Nintendo Switch 2.