To build excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, Nintendo has announced a series of free enhancements for popular Switch 1 games. Scheduled for global release on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 represents a major leap forward in Nintendo's console technology, offering improved performance for both legacy and upcoming games.

As the launch date approaches, Nintendo is addressing potential supply chain challenges for the Switch 2 while ensuring current Switch owners see clear benefits in upgrading. The company has confirmed that the Switch 2 will employ advanced hardware and software solutions to maintain backward compatibility, enabling players to enjoy most existing Switch titles. Beloved games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive special "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades, fully leveraging the new console's capabilities.

While not all Switch 1 games will receive dedicated Switch 2 editions, Nintendo is committed to improving many through free updates. According to Nintendo's official website, select titles—including early Switch releases like the motion-based fighter ARMS and the beloved Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics—will benefit from performance enhancements.

Nintendo Switch 1 Games Receiving Switch 2 Performance Updates

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• ARMS
• Enhanced graphics
• Smoother frame rates
• HDR compatibility
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
• Supports GameShare and GameChat for up to four players in Party Mode
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Visual improvements
• HDR support
• GameShare and GameChat for two players
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• GameShare and GameChat for four players across 34 games
• Game Builder Garage
• Upgraded visuals
• Compatibility with Switch 2 mouse controls via Joy-Con 2
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Enhanced graphics
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
• Visual optimizations
• Improved frame rates
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
• Graphics enhancements
• Smoother performance
• HDR in Bowser's Fury
• GameShare for four players (Super Mario 3D World) and two players (Bowser's Fury)
• GameChat support
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Visual upgrades
• HDR compatibility
• GameShare and GameChat for two players
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Enhanced visuals
• HDR support
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
• Graphics improvements
• HDR compatibility

The updates listed by Nintendo primarily focus on first-party titles, with enhancements set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. This includes previously announced patches for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Third-party developers will decide independently whether to update their Switch 1 games or create separate Switch 2 versions.

Notably, games receiving full Switch 2 editions, such as Breath of the Wild or Kirby and the Forgotten Land, aren't included in this update list. While Nintendo hasn't confirmed patches for their Switch 1 versions, the company notes that some games will naturally perform better on the Switch 2's superior hardware. Whether this will resolve performance issues or convince hesitant players to upgrade remains to be seen.