Nintendo Confirms Free Switch 2 Upgrades for 12 First-Party Games

Nintendo has officially announced that 12 of its first-party Nintendo Switch titles will receive free performance and feature upgrades for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, set to launch on June 5, 2025. These enhancements aim to improve graphics, frame rates, and introduce new functionalities like GameShare and GameChat, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players transitioning to the new system.

Enhanced Visuals and Performance

The free updates will optimize each game for the Switch 2’s advanced hardware. Improvements include higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, and HDR support where applicable. For instance, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will see their frame rates increase from 30 to 60 frames per second and will support 4K resolution when docked, addressing previous performance concerns.

Other titles, such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, will benefit from enhanced visuals and HDR support, providing a more immersive experience.

Introduction of GameShare and GameChat

Several games will incorporate GameShare, a new feature allowing players to share their games locally or online, facilitating co-op play without requiring multiple copies of the game. This is complemented by GameChat, an integrated communication tool similar to Discord, enabling voice and video chat during gameplay sessions. Notably, Super Mario Odyssey will support two-player online co-op using these functionalities.

GameChat will be available to all users until March 31, 2026, after which a Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be required to access the feature.

List of Games Receiving Free Upgrades

The following first-party Nintendo Switch titles will receive free updates on the Switch 2’s launch day:

• ARMS

• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

• Game Builder Garage

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

• Pokémon Scarlet

• Pokémon Violet

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

• Super Mario Odyssey

• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

These updates will be available at no additional cost to players who own the original versions of the games.

For a detailed overview of the free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades, you can watch the following video: