Summary
- Nintendo Switch 2 offers upgrades for select games for new features and improvements.
- Upgrades vary by game, like Zelda having enhanced graphics, new features, and smartphone functionality.
- The Metroid Prime 4 upgrade allows players to use the Joy-Con as a mouse.
Update: 02/04/2025 23:01 BST – Nintendo has confirmed that upgrades for certain titles will be free if users have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Original story follows
Nintendo Switch 2 is getting paid upgrades of Nintendo Switch games. A selection of games won’t just be backwards-compatible but will get separate Nintendo Switch 2 version releases. If you own the original game, you can purchase an upgrade to make the most of all the new features.
As per the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, here are all of the games confirmed to be getting Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades:
- Super Mario Pary Jamboree
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
How Nintendo Switch 2 Editions Of Switch Games Will Work
The changes that come with the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of old games will vary based on the title. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree players will be able to use the Switch 2’s new camera and microphone in certain minigames if they have the upgrade.
Above, you can see how both of the Switch’s Zelda games are being upgraded. For starters, they’ll look and play better, with enhanced resolutions and frame rates, as well as HDR support. Judging from the comparison shown at the Direct, the load times have also been vastly improved. There are some unexpected new additions, however, with the upgrade also enabling smartphone functionality via the Nintendo app. This actually includes new story content since you can use the app to find notes left by Zelda and other characters as you play.
The Zelda upgrade will transfer your old save file, but will also let you start a new game without losing your first playthrough.
The Metroid Prime 4 changes will work quite differently. Here’s you’ll be able to use the Joy-Con like a mouse, playing Metroid like you would play any other shooter on PC.
It seems that all of these games will get separate Switch 2 releases, and anyone who already owns the games will be able to purchase upgrades. We’re still waiting to see how much these upgrades will cost. Without the upgrades, we will still be able to play the games on Switch 2, given its backwards compatibility, but they will likely play as they did on the original Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Operating System
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Proprietary
- Storage
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256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- App Store
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Nintendo eShop
- Wi-Fi
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Yes