One of the questions leading up to the Nintendo Direct was the rumored Switch 2 Edition games. Through the new console’s backward compatibility, many Switch titles should work. However, Nintendo focused more on Switch 2 Upgrade Packs. Select games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Party Jamboree will have this option. These titles would reap the full benefits of the boosted Switch 2 specs, with the potential for higher-framerate visuals.
Many gamers aren’t responding well to the news of Switch 2 Upgrade Packs. Of course, players will also need the original Switch title in physical or digital form. On the other hand, free updates will be available for several games, including Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can access no-cost upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Nintendo has added a page that explains the benefits of the announced Switch 2 Upgrade Packs. These advantages include enhanced frame rates, higher resolutions, and faster loading times. In some cases, gamers also gain access to additional content. For example, Kirby and the Forgotten Land players will receive an expansion to its story mode. Other titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Civilization 7 will take advantage of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons mouse mode.
It’s still unclear how well the original Switch games will perform without paid upgrades. Nintendo has already released a list of backward compatibility problems but only mentions start-up issues. Charging gamers to play titles they own on the Switch 2 with basic functionality would not be well received.
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
