"Nintendo Reveals Free Performance Boosts for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2"

Nintendo has unveiled an exciting lineup of free performance upgrades for several popular Switch 1 games, set to enhance gameplay on the new Nintendo Switch 2. Titles such as Arms, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom are among those slated for these enhancements.

According to the official Nintendo website, these upgrades can be accessed by connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and downloading the latest system update. These updates are designed to improve graphics or introduce new features like GameShare, with the specifics varying by game.

It's important to note that these enhancements are completely free and distinct from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. Additionally, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive free upgrades for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

For Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, Switch 2 owners can look forward to "improved image quality" for high-resolution TVs and an "improved" framerate for "smoother movement." Meanwhile, Super Mario Odyssey will benefit from HDR support and GameShare functionality, allowing two players to enjoy the game together online, with one controlling Mario and the other guiding Cappy.

Interestingly, Nintendo's announcement did not mention framerate improvements for the top-down Zelda games, which have previously faced performance issues. This omission has sparked some disappointment among fans.

For a deeper dive into Nintendo's latest endeavors, including the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store, be sure to check out our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.

Nintendo San Francisco Store Photos

View 47 ImagesHere’s the detailed 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, either locally or 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 smoother movement, even 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, either locally or 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 courses, either locally or 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 controlling Mario and the other guiding Bowser Jr., either locally or 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 controlling Mario and the other guiding Cappy, either locally or 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