As we detailed previously, not only are there new Switch 2 Edition games, Switch 2 exclusives, and Switch 1 games you can play on your next-gen Nintendo console, but there are also a series of first-party Switch games getting FREE updates for Switch 2. This we already knew, but at the time Nintendo was incredibly vague about what these updates actually were, and now we have official details.
Nintendo Switch 2: Free game upgrade details
As a quick refresher, there are a series of Switch 1 games that are getting FREE updates for folks with a Switch 2 console starting next month. Not to be confused with the Switch 2 Edition titles that are seeing more substantial upgrades in the form of new features and expansion packs, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, these are a series of Switch 1 Nintendo titles that will be seeing visual upgrades and the like when played on Switch 2.
Here’s a quick reminder on the titles getting free upgrades:
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- ARMS
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Game Builder Garage
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
We have already detailed the paid upgrade packs on the Switch 2 Edition titles right here, but Nintendo has now updated its “games with free updates” page on its official site with additional details on what the FREE updates actually are:
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
- HDR support***.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
- HDR support***.
Super Mario Odyssey
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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****.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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 Bowser’s Fury).
- HDR support*** (Bowser’s Fury only).
GameShare support:
- 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****.
Pokémon Violet
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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.
Pokémon Scarlet
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Game Builder Garage
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
- Supports Joy-Con™ 2 mouse controls.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Update available: June 5, 2025
GameShare support:
- Up to four people** can play 34 games.
- Share locally or share online via GameChat****.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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****.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Update available: June 5, 2025
GameShare support:
- Up to four people** can play in Party Mode.
- Share locally or share online via GameChat****.
ARMS
Update available: June 5, 2025
Updates included:
- 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***.
*Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare session. Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the GameChat session in which it was shared. Shared game will not be playable after the chat ends.
**Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.
***HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
****Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com. GameChat Open-Access Period: Until March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not needed to enjoy GameChat. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
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