With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to debut on June 5, 2025, excitement is building—not only for the new console’s enhanced hardware but also for the treat in store for longtime fans. Nintendo has officially confirmed that 12 beloved first-party titles will receive free system upgrades designed to "improve playability" on the new hardware. By simply connecting your Switch 2 to the internet, you’ll be able to download enhancements that promise smoother performance, potentially boosted resolution, higher frame rates, and even the support of new features like GameShare.
What does “improve playability” mean?
Nintendo’s official description states that these free updates will modify how games run on the Switch 2 system. While the precise benefits remain under wraps, early speculation suggests that gamers might see:
Enhanced Visuals: Improved resolution and texture clarity to match the capabilities of the new console.
Smoother Performance: Higher frame rates and faster load times during intense gameplay moments.
Additional Functionalities: Potential support for features such as enhanced multiplayer or interactive sharing via GameShare.
The phrasing “improve playability” implies that Nintendo is carefully balancing the nostalgia of these classic titles with the technical prowess of next-generation hardware. This approach allows gamers to experience familiar adventures in a new, polished light while keeping the original charm intact.
The 12 games receiving free upgrades:
Nintendo’s list of free upgrade eligible titles represents some of the best-known names on the Switch. Here’s a closer look at each game:
ARMS: this high-octane fighting game may see more fluid, responsive combat—bringing its unique, stretching mechanics to sharper focus on the Switch 2.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain: a delightful puzzle challenge, this title is expected to take advantage of improved graphics and performance boosts to keep those mental workouts crisp and engaging.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: enhanced visuals and smoother controls could make exploring those charming, diorama-like worlds even more immersive.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics: a treasure trove of timeless games, this title might benefit from performance tweaks that make every classic feel modern and fluid.
Game Builder Garage: as a haven for budding game creators, upgrades here could mean more intuitive performance while designing and playing user-created experiences.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: a fresh take on Zelda adventures where enhanced resolution and frame rate could deepen the already immersive puzzle-solving and combat.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening: this reimagined classic stands to gain renewed vibrancy on the Switch 2 as improvements bolster its already enchanting presentation.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: expect familiar jumps and runs to feel even snappier, with potential enhancements that modernize the classic side-scrolling action.
Pokémon Scarlet: part of Nintendo’s newest Pokémon entries, optimized performance will let you immerse yourself further in this colorful world.
Pokémon Violet: paired with Scarlet, this title too may enjoy smoother visuals and more dynamic processing, elevating every battle and exploration.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: with split-screen multiplayer and sprawling levels, improved performance can only amplify the cooperative chaos and creative level design inherent to the game.
Super Mario Odyssey: often hailed as a masterpiece of innovation, an upgrade on Switch 2 could allow players to rediscover Mario’s globe-trotting adventures with enhanced clarity and speed.
Each of these titles was specifically chosen to receive a free upgrade, ensuring that while some games may need paid improvements (as is the case with titles like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom), these classics can be enjoyed as part of your new console experience at no extra cost.
Why these upgrades matter.
For many gamers, the Nintendo Switch has been a gateway to a rich and diverse library of first-party games that defined a generation. As technology advances, offering free enhancements for these titles not only extends their longevity but also honors their legacy. By investing in these upgrades, Nintendo is signaling that innovation doesn’t always mean leaving the past behind—it can also mean refining the classics for a new era. This initiative is a thoughtful nod to loyal fans and an enticing reason for new players to explore these time-tested adventures .
Moreover, the decision to offer free upgrades for this particular slate of games raises interesting questions about what defines a “paid” versus a “free” update. It appears that factors like the scale of the overhaul and the inherent design of the original game may influence whether a title gets a free performance boost. In any case, the free updates ensure that a broad swath of the Switch’s legacy remains vibrant without additional investment from players.
As the release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches, details regarding the exact technical enhancements are eagerly awaited. While Nintendo has kept specifics under wraps, the confirmed list of games and the promise of improved playability have already sparked a robust conversation in the gaming community. In the coming months, expect more detailed breakdowns of what each update will include, along with side-by-side comparisons of how these classic games perform on new hardware.
The journey from the original Switch to the Switch 2 marks a significant transition, one that bridges nostalgic gaming experiences with tomorrow’s technological innovations. Whether you’re a veteran Nintendo fan or a newcomer eager to join the adventure, these free upgrades promise to make the transition all the more rewarding.
