Super Mario Odyssey, PokĂ©mon Scarlet and Violet, and a bunch of other popular Nintendo games are getting upgrades to help them run better on Switch 2. And unlike some other Switch 2 versions, these improvements wonât require fans to spend more money.
The company shared the news on its website on Friday and outlined 11 existing Switch games that will all see significant enhancements or new features when the Switch 2 launches on June 5. The improvements range from higher resolutions and framerates, to support for HDR or GameChat, the function that lets users on the new hardware share video of themselves on the screen while playing together. Hereâs every Nintendo game getting a free Switch 2 upgrade and what it includes:
Super Mario Odyssey
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
HDR support***
Two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy
Share locally or share online via GameChat****
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
Frame rate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2
Super Mario 3D World + Bowserâs Fury
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowserâs Fury)
HDR support*** (Bowserâs Fury only)
Up to four people** can play Super Mario 3D World
In Bowserâs Fury, two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr
Share locally or share online via GameChat****
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
HDR support***
The Legend of Zelda: Linkâs Awakening
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
HDR support***
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
HDR support***
Two people can play all of the courses
Share locally or share online via GameChat****
ARMS
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with 3 or more players**)
HDR support***
Game Builder Garage
Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
Supports Joy-Conâą 2 mouse controls
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Up to four people** can play 34 games
Share locally or share online via GameChat****
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Up to four people** can play in Party Mode
Share locally or share online via GameChat****
Unlike The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, both of which are getting paid Switch 2 upgrades that contain new gameplay content, the above are minimal tweaks but still welcome ones. Anyone whoâs struggled through PokĂ©mon Scarlet and Violet should be looking forward to less pop-in and more stability, though it remains to be seen just how much these free upgrades improve the experience on Switch 2.
There are some notable absences as well, including the Xenoblade Chronicles series, which feature sprawling sci-fi open worlds that can really make the existing hardware chug, as well Luigiâs Mansion 3 and Splatoon 3. Another big game missing is Animal Crossing: New Horizons which would seemingly be a perfect place to showcase GameChat video sharing when players visit one anotherâs islands.
Maybe Nintendo is preparing bigger, paid upgrades for those games, or maybe itâs planning to release sequels in the near future and doesnât want its back-catalog providing to much extra competition. Weâre certainly due for a new Animal Crossing early on in the Switch 2âs lifecycle.
