Nintendo has exciting news for Switch 2 owners: a selection of popular Switch 1 games will receive free performance upgrades, enhancing your gaming experience on the new console. Titles like *Arms*, *Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet*, *Super Mario Odyssey*, and *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom* are among those set to benefit from these improvements.
To take advantage of these enhancements, simply connect your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and perform a system update. This will allow you to download free updates for selected games, which may include improved graphics or support for new features such as GameShare. It's worth noting that the specific improvements will vary from game to game.
These free upgrades are distinct from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games, which offer additional content or enhancements for a fee. However, games like *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom* will receive free upgrades for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
So, what can you expect with these upgrades? For *Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet*, you'll enjoy "improved image quality" for high-resolution TVs and a smoother framerate for more fluid gameplay. *Super Mario Odyssey* will support HDR and GameShare, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.
Interestingly, the list does not mention framerate fixes for the top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission considering their known performance issues.
For more insights into Nintendo's latest ventures, don't miss our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, where he discusses the new Nintendo San Francisco store and more about the Nintendo Switch.
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Here’s the 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. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
ARMS
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Framerate: optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing 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. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
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 of the courses. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
Game Builder Garage
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
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
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
Visuals: optimized for the 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 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
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
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 (including 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 player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
Super Mario Odyssey
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
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 player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
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
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support
