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

Nintendo has exciting news for Switch 2 owners, announcing a list of Switch 1 games that will receive free performance upgrades on the new console. This initiative aims to enhance the gaming experience by improving graphics and adding new features like GameShare. Here’s what you can expect from these upgrades.

From the official Nintendo website:

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.

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

Here's a detailed look at what Switch 2 owners can anticipate:

• Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet: Expect "improved image quality" for high-resolution TVs and an "improved" framerate for "smoother movement."
• Super Mario Odyssey: The game will receive HDR support and GameShare compatibility, allowing two players to play together online, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.

However, Nintendo's list does not include framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission considering their previous performance issues.

For more insights into Nintendo's latest endeavors, check out our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, which covers the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other Switch-related topics.

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Below is the comprehensive list of free updates for selected Nintendo Switch games, scheduled for release on May 6, 2025:

51 Worldwide Games

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

ARMS

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Framerate: Optimized for smoother movement, even 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 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 courses. Share locally or 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.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

• Visuals: Optimized for the 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

• Visuals: Optimized for the 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. In Bowser's Fury, two people can play together, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr. Share locally or 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 controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy. Share locally or 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

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