Every Free Switch 2 Update For Original Switch Games, Including Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

Nintendo has detailed what improvements players should expect with free Switch 2 updates for original Switch games, such as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. The benefits range from frame-rate improvements to HDR support--and all 12 patches are now available alongside the system's launch.

Switch 2 is backwards compatible with almost all original Switch games, though there are some exceptions. Nintendo has only pointed to these 12 games as receiving free Switch 2 updates so far, and there has been no indication of other titles getting patched in the future. Added GameShare and GameChat functionality are two newly touted social features for Switch 2. The former can let players share a game to other people (even on the original Switch) with just a single copy of the game. Meanwhile, GameChat lets people talk together online and even share their gameplay over the internet.

The Nintendo website provides game specifics for the Switch 2 updates, as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet will see better image quality and improved frame rates on the upcoming hybrid console. Indications are that it does indeed run much smoother than on the original Switch.

Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will receive upgraded image quality and HDR support, though nothing is confirmed for the game's previously reported frame-rate issues. However, there is speculation the title has an uncapped frame rate that will naturally benefit from running on the more powerful Switch 2.

In addition to these free updates, there will also be paid Switch 2 Editions of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Below is the list of Switch games getting free Switch 2 updates and how they will improve. Don't forget the system's tablet features HDR support, but a compatible TV is needed in docked mode.

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with three or more players)
• HDR support

GameShare support

• Up to four people can play in Party Mode
• Share locally or share online via GameChat

• 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

GameShare support

• Up to four people can play 34 games
• Share locally or share online via GameChat

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: Improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser's Fury)
• HDR support (Bowser’s Fury only)

GameShare support:

• 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

• 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

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Switch 2.

Splatoon 3 fans are in for a treat, as the game's free Switch 2 update will add more than just improved visuals and performance. Player arsenals are also being updated with new paint-splattering gear in the version 10.0.0 update, and a new stat in the ranked Anarchy Battles called Series Weapon Power will appeal to hardcore players looking to track their win/loss ratios with specific weapons.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake offers a free upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 users, enhancing visuals and performance at no additional cost. While there are no adjustments to the gameplay, which sees you following the Hero of Aliahan on a quest to defeat Baramos, the upgrade adds the option to prioritize frame rate, as well as graphics improvements. The upgrade is available right now via a downloadable patch.