Nintendo has announced that 10 Switch 1 games will get free visual, performance, and gameplay upgrades when played on the new Switch 2 console, launching June 5.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is almost here, and the hype is through the roof. With a global launch set for June 5, fans are gearing up for a next-gen experience built on everything people loved about the original Switch.
But one of the most exciting updates so far? Nintendo has confirmed that 10 popular Nintendo Switch 1 games are getting free performance and gameplay upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2.
Free Nintendo Switch 1 Game Upgrades on Switch 2
According to the official Nintendo Switch 2 guide, several existing Switch 1 games will get free updates that unlock new visual features, smoother performance, and co-op options, making good use of the more powerful hardware. Some updates also add HDR support, higher frame rates, and even a new GameShare feature that allows players to team up locally or online via GameChat.
These upgrades go live on launch day, and all you’ll need is a working internet connection on your Switch 2.
Games Getting Free Updates on Switch 2
- ARMS
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Game Builder Garage
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Super Mario Odyssey
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Link’s Awakening
Here’s a full breakdown of all 10 Switch 1 games getting free enhancements.
ARMS
- Enhanced visuals for high-res TVs
- Smoother frame rates with 3+ players
- HDR support included
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
- GameShare lets up to 4 players compete in Party Mode
- Works locally and online with GameChat
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Better image quality
- HDR support
- Two-player GameShare co-op via GameChat
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- GameShare for up to 4 players in 34 games
- Play online or locally via GameChat
Game Builder Garage
- Sharper visuals
- Supports new mouse-style Joy-Con 2 controls
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Cleaner, sharper graphics for the Switch 2 display
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
- Visual upgrades
- Improved frame rate for smoother gameplay
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Upgraded resolution
- Better performance
- HDR support for Bowser’s Fury
- GameShare: 4-player in 3D World, 2-player in Bowser’s Fury with with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr.
- Play online or locally via GameChat
Super Mario Odyssey
- Enhanced visuals
- HDR support
- GameShare co-op: One player is Mario, the other is Cappy
- Play online or locally via GameChat
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom & Link’s Awakening
- Upgraded visuals
- HDR support
Apart from that, Nintendo has recently revealed another cool new feature for Switch 2: mid-game button remapping for the Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip. Check out this article for more details on how to do it.
What do you think about these free updates? Are there any other games you’d love to see get Switch 2 upgrades? Let us know your thoughts below!
