Don’t forget that some Switch 1 games are getting FREE Switch 2 upgrades. Outside of how difficult it was for some folks to secure a Switch 2 pre-order, most of the not-so positive talk surrounding the next-generation of Switch 2 gaming has been about the price. Nintendo is charging $10 to $20 for upgrade packs on Switch 2 Edition Switch 1 games like Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart World carries a $79.99 list price, and that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour system demo game thing that should be FREE is $10. But there are some Switch 1 games that are getting FREE SWitch 2 upgrades. Let’s dig in.
Not all Switch 2 game upgrades cost money
While this is not new information, it might very well have slipped under your radar amidst the mad dash to secure a console pre-order.
There are three, let’s call it, types of games for Switch 2: Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza, Switch 2 Edition games that have received expansion packs and other upgrades you have to pay extra for even if you already own them, and all of the Switch 1 games you can play on Switch 2 (that’s just about all of them too).
That said, you can sort of add a fourth game type to the list – Switch 2 games that Nintendo has confirmed will be getting upgrades for Switch 1. These aren’t the same sort of upgrades that Switch 2 Edition games get, but upgrades nonetheless, and, even more to the point, completely FREE upgrades.
The Switch 2 Edition games come along with far more advanced and substantial updates, that’s for sure, but it is worth having the FREE options on your radar. If you already own these games when your Switch 2 arrives you’ll be able to download the upgraded version from Nintendo for FREE.
Here’s what the entails in Nintendo’s own words:
Free updates to improve playability on the Nintendo Switch 2 system will be released for select Nintendo Switch games.
By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet, you can download free updates that may improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game.
As you can see, Nintendo is using extremely vague terminology here and not offering up any specifics – “improve playability…may improve performance.”
Nonetheless, there are upgrades to be and without paying a nickel on the following games (if you already own them and once your Switch 2 arrives):
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- ARMS
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Game Builder Garage
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
More curated coverage for you
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments