Nintendo has unveiled a thrilling update for Switch 2 owners: a selection of beloved Switch games will receive free performance upgrades. Titles such as Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom are set to benefit from enhanced gameplay experiences on the new console.
According to the official Nintendo website, these upgrades are accessible by connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update. This will allow you to download free updates that could enhance graphics or introduce new features like GameShare, with the specifics varying by game.
It's important to note that these free upgrades are distinct from the premium Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer free upgrades exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Switch 2 owners can look forward to specific enhancements in their favorite games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will see "improved image quality" on high-resolution TVs and a smoother framerate for enhanced gameplay. Super Mario Odyssey will gain HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other managing Cappy.
Interestingly, the list of updates does not address framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda games, which is a notable omission considering their known performance issues.
For more insights into Nintendo's latest endeavors, including the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store, check out our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.
Nintendo San Francisco Store Photos
View 47 Images
Here’s the list of 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
