The Nintendo Switch 2 enhances the performance of original Nintendo Switch games more effectively than the original hardware. While this isn’t universally true, it holds up well enough across enough titles to make upgrading to the Switch 2 worthwhile, especially given the limited number of native Switch 2 games initially available.

Below, we’ll outline how to upgrade your Switch 1 games for use on the Switch 2, along with what you can anticipate from the significant updates to key titles. After reading, dive back into those classic games with renewed enjoyment!

How To Upgrade Switch 1 Games For Switch 2

The upgrades for Switch 1 games fall into three primary categories:

• There are games with minor performance enhancements, which are subtle and haven’t been explicitly highlighted by Nintendo.
• There are games with more substantial improvements, which are notable enough to be mentioned directly by Nintendo.
• There are games with purchasable upgrades specifically for Switch 2, which are fewer in number but offer the most dramatic enhancements.

Games With Minor Improvements

Most Switch 1 games benefit from running on the Switch 2 without needing additional downloads. We’ve observed smoother performance in games as recent as Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, with fewer interruptions and improved image quality.

Given the extensive list of such games, it’s impractical to name them all. However, if you’re playing a Switch 1 game on the Switch 2, there’s a strong likelihood it will see some level of improvement. These benefits are generally modest, though.

Nintendo is issuing software updates for some of these minor-enhancement titles, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3. To ensure you have the latest version, hover over the game on the home menu and press the ' ' button, then select 'Software Update'. It’s advisable to perform this check for any Switch 1 game installed on your Switch 2.

Games With Major Improvements

Twenty games (at launch; potentially more later) receive more substantial boosts:

• 51 Worldwide Games
• ARMS
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
• Super Mario 3D World Bowser's Fury
• Super Mario Odyssey
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Our testing with Super Mario Odyssey indicates that simply installing the game via the Virtual Card system (accessible from the home screen’s sub-menus) suffices, as no separate software update was necessary. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to verify this for every game.

Already, Super Mario Odyssey impresses with its optimized image quality and HDR support, offering a fresh experience akin to playing the game anew. Additionally, it supports GameShare, enabling local and online multiplayer with a friend.

Games With Purchasable Upgrades

Currently, this premium list includes six games—though only two are available at launch, with others rolling out through July, August, and October:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition introduces the Zelda Notes app, enhanced frame rate, better resolution, faster load times, and HDR support.
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition includes all the features listed above.
• Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition offers the exclusive Jamboree TV mode and new gameplay modes tailored for mouse controls, microphones, and cameras. It also boasts improved frame rate, better resolution, and visual upgrades. It releases July 24, 2025.
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features a new story mode called Star-Crossed World, alongside improved frame rate and visual enhancements. This arrives August 28, 2025.
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition promises better performance, higher frame rate, and resolution upon its October 16, 2025 release.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports mouse controls, enhanced resolution, faster load times, and Quality/Performance modes, plus HDR. A release date for Metroid Prime 4 hasn’t been set yet.

For details on upgrading to Switch 2 Editions of these games, refer to our dedicated guide.

The above is the detailed content of Nintendo Switch 2: How To Update Your Old Switch Games. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!