Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Upgrades for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2

Nintendo has exciting news for fans of the Switch 1 games, announcing a list of titles that will receive free performance upgrades when played on the Nintendo Switch 2. These enhancements aim to elevate the gaming experience with improved graphics and new features. Among the games set to benefit from these upgrades are *Arms*, *Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet*, *Super Mario Odyssey*, and *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom*.

Nintendo's official statement on their website details how these upgrades will work:

By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update, you can download free updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add support for features such as GameShare. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game.

It's important to note that these upgrades are complimentary and distinct from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. For instance, *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom* offer free upgrades exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

So, what can owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 expect? For *Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet*, players will enjoy "improved image quality" on high-resolution TVs and a smoother framerate for enhanced gameplay. *Super Mario Odyssey* will receive HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.

Interestingly, the list does not mention framerate improvements for the two top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission considering their known performance issues.

For more insights into Nintendo's latest developments, don't miss our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, where he discusses the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other exciting updates related to the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo San Francisco Store Photos

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Here's a detailed list of the free updates for selected Nintendo Switch games:

51 Worldwide Games

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

GameShare support: up to four people can play 34 games. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

ARMS

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Framerate: optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with three or more players).

HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

GameShare support: up to four people can play in Party Mode. Share locally or share online via GameChat.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

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.

Game Builder Garage

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Framerate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Framerate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser's Fury).

HDR support

GameShare compatibility: 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.

Super Mario Odyssey

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

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.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Software update release date: 05/06/2025

Visuals: optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

HDR support