Now the cat is out of the bag, we know that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of games exist. This means a game that’s been upgraded for Switch 2, but that’s also on the original console.
The two biggest titles that are getting Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are likely, for most people, to be Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, because they’re new games coming to both consoles.
First up, a quick explainer. You are going to be able to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of games outright, if you don’t own them. However, you can also upgrade them for a price, if you own the original Switch edition. Now, it gets slightly complicated here, because some games will be getting free upgrades (more on that later), while the newer titles you can also get without cost if you have a Nintendo Switch Online Plus Expansion Pack subscription.
Although even this is slightly muddied, as the description on the official site says: “If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can download and enjoy the content of the following upgrade packs at no additional cost. You must own the original titles, as either physical or digital versions.” However, it also says: “Selected upgrade packs included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership”. What we do know is that the two Zelda titles are part of that upgrade path via the online sub.
Nintendo says: “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition software can be purchased at retailers that sell video games, or via Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.”
With that out of the way, here’s the upgrade details on the big launch games.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Support for mouse controls
- Support for up to 4K resolution when playing in TV mode
- HDR support
- Support for frame rates of up to 120 fps
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Improved performance with higher frame rate and resolution
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
- A new story: Star-Crossed World
- Improved graphics and frame rate
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
- New way to play exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2: Jamboree TV
- New modes that use mouse controls, microphone and a compatible USB-C camera (sold separately)
- Players appear within the game via CameraPlay using a compatible USB-C camera (sold separately)
- GameShare compatibility for local multiplayer
- WQHD (1440p) resolution in TV mode, Full HD (1080p) in tabletop mode and handheld mode
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Improved performance in higher resolution
- Support for the ZELDA NOTES game-specific service via the Nintendo Switch App
- HDR support
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Improved performance in higher resolution
- Support for the ZELDA NOTES game-specific service via the Nintendo Switch App
- HDR support
Now we mentioned some free upgrades, and that’s because the Japanese official site has listed multiple games that will get a fully free upgrade, as follows:
- Arms
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- 51 Worldwide Games
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Game Maker Garage
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
- New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
- Pokemon Scarlet/Violet
Read our in depth, full coverage of Nintendo Switch 2 here.
