Nintendo Unveils Free Performance Boosts for Switch 1 Games on Switch 2

Nintendo has announced a list of Switch 1 games that will receive a free performance upgrade when played on the Nintendo Switch 2. Titles such as *Arms*, *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet*, *Super Mario Odyssey*, and *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom* are among those set to benefit from enhanced performance on the new console.

According to Nintendo's official statement on their website:

By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update, you can download free updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add support for features such as GameShare. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game.

It's important to note that these upgrades are free and distinct from the premium "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games. Free upgrades are also available for *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom* for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

So, what can owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 expect? For instance, *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet* will see "improved image quality" tailored for high-resolution TVs and an "improved" framerate for "smoother movement." Meanwhile, *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 Cappy.

Interestingly, the list does not mention framerate improvements for *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom* and *Link's Awakening*, which is a notable omission given their known performance issues.

For more insights into Nintendo's latest developments, don't miss our interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, where he discusses the newly opened Nintendo San Francisco store and other exciting updates about the Nintendo Switch.

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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: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
Framerate: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised 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: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
HDR support