Nintendo has confirmed a few more popular OG Switch games are going to receive updates for the Switch 2 console – and this time they’re free.
Some of the best Nintendo Switch games, like Super Mario Odyssey and Link’s Awakening, are getting a boost on the house, although the improvements aren’t quite as noteworthy as the controversial paid Switch 2 Editions.
Nintendo has announced all of these upgrades will be available to Switch 2 gamers on launch day, which is just around the corner on June 5.
Nintendo says that 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.”
The games include: 51 Worldwide Games, ARMS, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Game Builder Garage, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Pokemon Scarlet & Pokemon Violet, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
The nature of the updates vary but for Odyssey, for example Nintendo promises:
- 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.
While Nintendo is offering very significant improvements to some games, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it is also charging a tenner for the privilege of playing them on the Switch 2.
Those enhanced games, which also include Metroid 4 Prime: Beyond and Super Mario Party Jamboree, include boosts to resolution, frame rate and HDR. So, for example, you’ll be able to play Metroid at 4K/60ps with HDR support.
Some game upgrades are free for Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers too.
