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

Nintendo has announced exciting news for Switch 2 owners, revealing a list of Switch 1 games that will receive free performance upgrades on the new console. This initiative promises to enhance gameplay across several popular titles, including Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

According to the official Nintendo website, these upgrades can be obtained by connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and downloading a system update. The updates are designed to improve graphics and add features such as GameShare, with the specifics varying by game. Importantly, these enhancements are free and distinct from the premium Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. Additionally, certain games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer free upgrades exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

Let's dive into what Switch 2 owners can expect from these upgrades:

• Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet will boast "improved image quality" for high-resolution TVs and a smoother framerate for enhanced gameplay.
• Super Mario Odyssey will support HDR and introduce GameShare, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.

However, it's worth noting that the list does not mention framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda titles, which is a notable omission given their known performance issues.

For a deeper look into Nintendo's latest endeavors, check out our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, where he discusses the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other exciting developments around the Nintendo Switch.

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Here’s the detailed list of free updates for selected Nintendo Switch games:

51 Worldwide Games

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• GameShare support: Up to four people can play 34 games, either locally or online via GameChat.

ARMS

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Framerate: Optimized for smoother movement, even in multiplayer with three or more players.
• HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• GameShare support: Up to four people can play in Party Mode, either locally or online via GameChat.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR support
• GameShare support: Two people can play all courses, either locally or online via GameChat.

Game Builder Garage

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Framerate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Framerate: Improved for smoother movement, including in Bowser's Fury.
• HDR support
• GameShare compatibility: Up to four people can play Super Mario 3D World, and two can play Bowser's Fury together, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr. Share locally or online via GameChat.

Super Mario Odyssey

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR support
• GameShare support: Two people can play together, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy. Share locally or online via GameChat.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

• Visuals: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR support