Nintendo has unveiled an exciting list of Switch 1 games that will receive a free performance upgrade on the upcoming Switch 2, detailing the enhancements fans can anticipate. Titles such as Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom are among those slated for significant improvements.

According to the official Nintendo website, connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update allows you to download free updates for selected games. These updates may enhance graphics or add features like GameShare, though the specifics vary by game.

To clarify, these upgrades are complimentary and distinct from the premium Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. Notably, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer free upgrades exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

Switch 2 owners can look forward to various improvements. For instance, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will boast "improved image quality" for high-resolution TVs and an "improved" framerate for "smoother movement." Super Mario Odyssey will gain HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other handling Cappy.

Interestingly, the list does not mention framerate enhancements for the two top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission considering their known performance issues.

For more insights, don't miss our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, where he discusses the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other developments related to the Nintendo Switch.

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Here’s the comprehensive 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