Summary
Update: 20-07-2025 23:01 BST - Nintendo has confirmed thatupgrades for certain titles will be freeif users have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.Original story follows
Nintendo Switch 2is getting paid upgrades ofNintendo Switchgames. A selection of games won’t just be backwards-compatible but will get separate Nintendo Switch 2 version releases. If you own the original game, you can purchase an upgrade to make the most of all the new features.
As per the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, here are all of the games confirmed to be getting Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades:
How Nintendo Switch 2 Editions Of Switch Games Will Work
The changes that come with the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of old games will vary based on the title. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree players will be able to use the Switch 2’s new camera and microphone in certain minigames if they have the upgrade.
Above, you may see how both of the Switch’s Zelda games are being upgraded. For starters, they’ll look and play better, with enhanced resolutions and frame rates, as well as HDR support. Judging from the comparison shown at the Direct, the load times have also been vastly improved. There are some unexpected new additions, however, with the upgrade also enabling smartphone functionality via the Nintendo app. This actually includes new story content since you can use the app to find notes left by Zelda and other characters as you play.
The Zelda upgrade will transfer your old save file, but will also let you start a new game without losing your first playthrough.
The Metroid Prime 4 changes will work quite differently. Here’s you’ll be able to use the Joy-Con like a mouse,playing Metroid like you would play any other shooter on PC.
It seems that all of these games will get separate Switch 2 releases, and anyone who already owns the games will be able to purchase upgrades. We’re still waiting to see how much these upgrades will cost. Without the upgrades, we will still be able to play the games on Switch 2, given its backwards compatibility, but they will likely play as they did on the original Switch.
