We knew Switch 1 games would be playable on Switch 2 via backward compatibility, but Nintendo confirmed certain first-party games will have enhanced editions to make them play better than ever. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wilds/Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are the first titles confirmed to play better on Switch 2.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom
The Switch 2 editions of the acclaimed titles feature improved resolution and framerates and now support HDR. They’ll also exclusively support a new feature called Zelda Notes, a new feature for the Nintendo Switch app. This app guides players using voice navigation to find hidden Korok and shrines. Players can also share creations with QR codes, which adds it to another player’s game.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The Switch 2 addition includes Jamboree TV, an expansion introducing new minigames such as Bowser Live, the mouse-controlled Carnival Coaster, and other games utilizing the Switch 2’s hardware features.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
In addition to a graphical and framerate bump, Kirby’s 2021 adventure is also getting a Switch 2 exclusive story DLC called Star-Cross World. A meteor strikes the Forgotten Land, transforming it into a crystalized version of itself for Kirby to explore and battle newly transformed enemies.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The upcoming title can be played with mouse controls on Switch 2. It boasts a 4K/60fps Quality Mode (1080p/60fps HDR in handheld), and a 1080p/120fps HDR Performance Mode (720p/120fps HRD in handheld)
Pokémon Legends Z-A
Those who play the yet-to-be-released Pokémon title on Switch 2 will enjoy enhanced resolutions and framerates
The Switch 2 versions of these titles will be sold as standalone editions (physical and digital). However, those who own the original versions can purchase an Upgrade Pack to get the new versions. Nintendo has not revealed the pricing for the Upgrade Pack or the standalone versions.
Alongside the games outlined above, Nintendo also shared a number of other Switch 1 games that will get free updates to make them run better on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility.
- Arms
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Clubhouse Games 51 Worldwide Classics
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Game Builder Garage
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
- Big Brain Academy Brain vs Brain
In terms of the specifics of how these games will be affected by the update, Nintendo is unclear but writes, “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.”
