Every Nintendo Switch 1 game with an upgraded Switch 2 version

by

On the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, several games are set to benefit from enhanced editions. Each title on this list will receive graphical enhancements due to the improved hardware. Some games may offer up to 120 frames per second, feature HDR support, and display up to 4K resolution when docked. Moreover, many games will leverage the new hardware capabilities such as the Joy-Con mouse functionality and the Nintendo Switch 2’s Camera and Game Chat features.

Every Switch 1 game getting a Switch 2 upgraded version

During today’s Direct, numerous upcoming games have been announced to utilize the exciting features of the new console. For instance, Civilization VII will leverage the capabilities of the new Joy-Cons. However, there was much speculation about whether games initially planned for the original Switch, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, would receive separate versions tailored to the new console. Now, we can confirm that not only these two games but also a few others will indeed have their own variations specifically for the new console.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The newly announced Super Mario Party Jamboree is the latest installment in the popular multiplayer series and was the first game to reveal details about its Nintendo Switch 2 update during the Nintendo Direct presentation. This update, which seems to be particularly substantial, offers a Switch 2 exclusive DLC called “Jamboree TV“. This expansion features the exciting new experience of “Bowser Live”, a game show-inspired event with 2v2 team battles and physical challenges. The new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera will allow players to become part of the game, either displaying just their face as their character or their full body during mini-game play.

The “Carnival Coaster” game mode leverages your mouse controls, allowing you to team up against iconic Mario foes while navigating a roller coaster track. During tunnel pass-throughs, mini-games ensue. This extra feature can either be acquired alongside the complete game or served as an additional upgrade for those who already possess the main game. The “Jamboree TV” will debut on July 24th, about a month and a half following the June 5th launch of Switch 2.

Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom

It’s likely that neither you nor anyone else would find it surprising that some of the most beloved and acclaimed games from the initial Nintendo Switch – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom – will receive enhanced versions on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. These upgraded versions will feature enhanced visuals, taking advantage of the new console’s increased frame rates, better resolutions, and HDR technology. Players who have previously played these games on the original Switch can even transfer their save files to the new console. An exciting addition for the Nintendo Switch 2 is the ability for players to create two manual saves, enabling them to start a fresh game without losing access to their initial playthrough.

In the updated version of both “Legend of Zelda” titles for Nintendo Switch, you’ll find an enhancement to the Nintendo Switch mobile app, named “Zelda Notes“. This collection of apps is designed to enhance your gaming experience, offering features such as:

1. A Navigation app that equips players with a tool to discover hidden shrines or koroks in the game world. This should minimize the number of posts on Reddit from almost fully completed games searching for the last elusive korok.
2. A Voice Memories app, which offers additional stories and details connected to specific locations that were absent in the original game versions.
3. The ability to share your creations in “Tears of the Kingdom” using a QR code.

There are many other interesting apps to discover within Zelda Notes as well!

Among all the enhancements, it is only these two games, namely “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and its sequel “Tears of the Kingdom”, that can be played for free by those who have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. As of now, all other improvements are bought individually, either as part of the complete game or as a separate paid addition. These enhancements for “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom” will be launched simultaneously with the Switch 2 on June 5th.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

On the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, players can expect not only graphical enhancements but also access to a fresh DLC named “Star-Crossed World“. This additional content offers a unique storyline for Kirby and the Forgotten Land gamers to enjoy. In this narrative, Kirby embarks on an adventure to investigate the aftermath of a meteorite made of strange crystals that fell from the sky. The mysterious crystals spread across the environment and various objects, even transforming regular foes into new variants.

Apart from the Kirby announcement during today’s Direct, there’s another exciting update to share about Kirby and the Forgotten Land. However, the release date for this new content is yet to be announced, but mark your calendars: August 28th, 2025, is when the DLC and upgrade for Kirby and the Forgotten Land will become available.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

During today’s Direct presentation, we didn’t delve deeply into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but last week provided a closer glimpse. It was confirmed earlier that this upcoming title will offer not one, but two distinct versions for every Nintendo console. The Switch 2 variant seems to offer the premier gaming experience, yet it’s fantastic news that Nintendo Switch Lite and other Switch 1 users will also have access to the game.

The upcoming game, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, will make use of two significant features of the rumored Switch 2 console. Initially, it will provide players with two playable modes – Quality Mode offering 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, or Performance Mode boasting HD at 120 frames per second, both HDR compatible. Secondly, the Switch 2 edition allows for utilizing the new Joy-Con’s mouse controls, which could potentially transform how first-person shooter games are experienced on the Nintendo platform. Regrettably, a specific release date for this eagerly awaited title has yet to be announced, with only a tentative release in 2025.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Since it’s likely that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will also be released for other Nintendo consoles, it’s reasonable to assume that there will be versions tailored for each system. Details about the improvements in this installment of the Pokémon series are scant, with only visual upgrades mentioned. Some players have noticed that the designs of buildings in Legends: Z-A seem quite basic, and I share their view that the visual enhancements for the Switch 2 might not significantly elevate these graphics to be particularly stunning. Fingers crossed that this game performs better than Scarlet and Violet did.

Without a doubt, the Switch 2 should serve as the premier destination for Pokémon games this year. We’re equally excited to discover more about Pokémon Champions, which was unveiled during a Pokémon Presents event earlier this year. The Pokémon Company may choose to reveal additional details about this upcoming title in one of their future Pokémon Presents events, so for the time being, we’ll need to exercise some patience. As of now, there isn’t a confirmed release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but it is slated for launch sometime towards the end of 2025.

Read More

2025-04-03 03:02