How Nintendo Switch 2 Will Improve Switch 1 Games

The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and as previously reported, it boasts impressive backward compatibility with Switch 1 games. However, Nintendo is going the extra mile by introducing specially enhanced versions of Switch 1 games for the Switch 2, which go beyond mere graphical and framerate improvements.

What Games are Playable on Switch 2?

Nintendo has categorized the games playable on the Switch 2 into three types: Native Switch 2 games, which are exclusive to this new system; Compatible Switch 1 games, whose cartridges can be seamlessly used on the Switch 2; and Switch 2 Edition games, which are enhanced versions of Switch 1 games tailored for the Switch 2.

This categorization does not include the classic games available through Nintendo Switch Online, which offers titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and now GameCube.

So What Comes in a Switch 2 Edition Game?

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcased that Switch 2 Edition games will offer more than just visual upgrades. For instance, Super Mario Party Jamboree will introduce Jamboree TV, utilizing the new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, Switch 2 microphone, and an optional USB-C camera. These enhancements will be accompanied by upgraded resolutions up to 1440p in TV mode, improved frame rates, new minigames, and enhanced online functions.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a cross-gen title, will support mouse controls with Joy-Con 2 and multiple display modes. Quality Mode offers 60fps at 4K when docked or 1080p at 60fps in handheld, while Performance Mode provides 120fps at 1080p when docked or 120fps at 720p in handheld, all with HDR support.

Other Switch 2 Edition titles, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, will include new story content like the Star-Crossed World add-on. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will integrate additional support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, providing guides and game help.

For games like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the Switch 2 Edition will focus on performance and resolution enhancements.

When are the Switch 2 Edition Games Coming?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5, 2025, with the first batch of Switch 2 Edition games launching around the same time. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive their Switch 2 Editions on the launch day.

Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s update will follow on July 24, 2025, and August 28, 2025, respectively. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are expected sometime in 2025, though exact dates have not been announced.

How Much Will Switch 2 Editions Cost?

Pricing for Switch 2 Editions varies based on ownership of the original Switch 1 game. New buyers can purchase the Switch 2 Edition at retail, easily identified by the new red-colored physical game case or the prominent Switch 2 logo on digital versions.

Existing owners of Switch 1 games can opt for an upgrade pack to access the Switch 2 Edition features. These packs will be available at select retailers, the official My Nintendo Store, and the Nintendo eShop, though pricing details are yet to be disclosed.

Some upgrade packs, such as those for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, will be included with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which also grants access to online features and a classic game library.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Editions

4 ImagesWith these details, you're now well-informed about the Switch 2 Editions of games. Nintendo is ensuring a smooth transition to the Switch 2 with its backward compatibility, and enhancing the launch library with improved versions of beloved Switch classics.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore all the news from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, including pricing and pre-order information.