Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Upgrades for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2
Nintendo has announced an exciting lineup of free performance upgrades for a selection of Switch 1 games that will enhance their experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. Fans can look forward to improved gameplay across titles such as Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.
Here's what Nintendo has officially stated on their 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.
It's important to note that these upgrades are entirely free and distinct from the premium Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. Notably, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom receive free upgrades exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Switch 2 owners can anticipate specific enhancements for each game. For instance, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will boast "improved image quality" optimized for high-resolution TVs, along with an enhanced framerate for smoother gameplay. Meanwhile, Super Mario Odyssey will support HDR and introduce GameShare, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online—one controlling Mario and the other steering Cappy.
However, it's worth mentioning that Nintendo's list does not address framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda titles, which is a notable and somewhat disappointing oversight given their known performance issues.
For further insights into Nintendo's latest developments, including the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store, be sure to check out our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.
Nintendo San Francisco Store Photos
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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. Share locally or share online via GameChat.
ARMS
Software update release date: 05/06/2025
Visuals: Optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality. Framerate: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised 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: Optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality. HDR support
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