Nintendo, free Switch 2 upgrade for 12 games: here's which ones

Nintendo is updating twelve exclusive Switch games for free with graphical improvements, HDR support, optimized frame rate and new multiplayer features via GameShare, to take full advantage of the Switch 2 console's potential starting June 5

Nintendo has announced a series of free updates for twelve first-party Nintendo Switch titles, designed to significantly enhance the gaming experience on Nintendo Switch 2. Starting June 5, 2025, players will be able to enjoy graphical enhancements, performance optimizations, and new social features that take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the new console. Among the affected titles is ARMS, which benefits from a resolution optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-definition televisions, an improved frame rate even during multiplayer matches, and HDR support. Big Brain Academy: Battle of the Minds also gets a boost, introducing GameShare support to allow local and online multiplayer sessions for up to four players in Party Mode.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker receives a visual upgrade with HDR support and allows two players to play through all levels, sharing the experience via GameChat, both locally and online. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics also introduces the ability to play 34 games with up to four people thanks to GameShare, expanding the opportunities for digital socialization. Among the new technical improvements are the improvements to Game Builder Garage, which in addition to benefiting from superior visuals, now supports mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2, expanding players' creative options. The same goes for New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, which is optimized to make the most of the new resolution and updated hardware.

Special attention has also been paid to the Pokémon section. Both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet receive significant graphical updates and frame rate improvements, making exploration of their respective regions smoother and more visually satisfying on Switch 2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is enhanced with graphical improvements, a more stable frame rate, and the introduction of HDR support, limited to the Bowser's Fury section. Again, GameShare allows up to four players in the main mode and two in the alternative mode, in which one controls Mario and the other Bowser Jr.

Another flagship title receiving an update is Super Mario Odyssey. The new version includes visual improvements, HDR and GameShare functionality that allows two users to share the adventure as Mario and Cappy, both locally and online. Finally, Nintendo announced updates for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Both benefit from a revamped visual department and HDR support, enhancing the atmosphere and details of the environments. With this series of updates, Nintendo intends to offer its users a smooth transition to the new hardware generation, enriching already beloved games with advanced features and greater social integration, at no additional cost. A strategy that aims to enhance the existing library and at the same time encourage the adoption of the Nintendo Switch 2.