Nintendo's Switch 2 has been grabbing headlines since the company's Direct in early April, with many gawking at the console's expensive price point. To make matters worse, Mario Kart World was revealed to be hitting shelves in June with a potential $80 price tag, leading to more fan disapproval. However, two announcements made during and after the presentation could potentially satiate consumers as they mull over a game listed at almost $100: Free Updates and Switch 2 Editions.

Free Updates and Switch 2 Editions were covered briefly during the Direct. But the distinction between the two has been difficult to decipher from afar. On the one hand, both concepts appear to work as methods of keeping Switch 1 games (and players) in Nintendo's new-gen ecosystem. Yet, these forthcoming Switch 2 features are defined explicitly as two different ideas, regardless of their small similarities.

So what exactly are the Free Updates and the Switch 2 Editions? Let's explore these features in full to get a better idea of what Nintendo is looking to accomplish for the Switch 2.

What's The Difference Between Free Updates and Switch 2 Editions

Free Updates have a specific mission

Nintendo's Free Updates will be allotted to certain games and will be available on the Switch 2's release day. As per the company's official website, Free Updates will work to "improve playability on the Nintendo Switch 2 system" and would only be granted to "select Nintendo Switch 1 games," meaning that not all of your Switch 1 titles will be blessed.

To secure the update, players will need to connect their Nintendo Switch 2 to a stable internet. Switch 1 games downloaded on or inserted into the system will then be prompted to update that will "improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games." However, the contents of the Free Update will differ from game to game, with some titles potentially receiving more or less than others.

Switch 2 Editions are much more ambitious

Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are more intricate in scope than the Free Updates. These enhanced versions would work as a bundle for the Switch 2 that includes the original game and "its upgrade pack, which enhances the game to take advantage of the capabilities" of Nintendo's highly anticipated console. These enhancements will work to upgrade the Switch 1 game with visual improvements, brand-new stories, game modes, characters, controller support, and more. It should be noted that the Switch 2 Editions can only be played and experienced on the Switch 2.

Much like the Free Update, Switch 2 Editions' contents and offerings will vary depending on the title. However, unlike the Free Update, these Switch 2 Edition titles appear to vary in pricing. According to Nintendo, if a player already owns the base game, whether physical or digital, they will be able to upgrade that title by purchasing the Switch 2 enhancement from the Nintendo eShop or at any available retailer.

Yes, you will be able to still play the regular version of the game on the Switch 1. No, you will not be able to play the Switch 2 enhanced edition on the Switch 1 console.

So, what games are receiving Free Updates?

Now that we have the basics covered, let's explore which titles will receive a coveted Free Update. Keep in mind that these are the only titles that have been confirmed to be getting this upgrade from Nintendo. As we move closer to the Switch 2's June 5th, 2025 release date, more games may be announced.

ARMS

ARMS was released on June 16, 2017, and was one of the first fighting games released for the Switch 1.

Using the Joy-Cons, players battle against each other, with characters slinking their arms equipped with high-powered weapons across various battlefields. Think of it like boxing but the fighters have Slinkys for arms.

Super Mario Odyssey

Honestly, this game needs no introduction. Super Mario Odyssey was released for the Nintendo Switch 1 on October 27, 2017, to critical acclaim.

The game features Mario, alongside his new buddy, Cappy, as they embark on a 3D adventure to distant worlds as the beloved plumber attempts to thwart Bowser's plans yet again. What are those plans? Well, they involve Princess Peach and wedding bells--you do the math.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Released on September 20, 2019, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening finds players controlling a cartoonish version of Link as he awakens on a strange distant island called Koholint. The reimagined version of the Nintendo classic brings everything you love from the 1993 iteration to life with beautiful colors, sounds, and touching storytelling.

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Originally released for the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022, the latest installment in the Pokémon mainline games will be receiving a Free Update for the Switch 2. Scarlet & Violet introduces Pokémon trainers to a brand-new region called Paldea, where they will be able to catch, train, trade, and battle using their favorite monsters and a whole new cast of Pokémon in a “open-world-like” setting, allowing players to “pick their own path.”

Other games receiving free updates

What Games Will Receive An Enhanced Edition?

As for the games that will receive a Switch 2 Edition, the list is somewhat limited right now. However, Nintendo mentioned during the early April Switch 2 Direct that more games were planned to be released at a later date. But for the games that have been announced, we have this for you below.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is set to release on July 24, 2025. Nintendo explained that the Switch 2 enhancement will give the beloved party game an array of new features to look forward to such as brand new modes that allow players to utilize the Switch 2's mouse controls, the system's camera add-on, and microphone features. The enhanced editions will also allow players to use the camera to show themselves in the game using CameraPlay features. Mario Party jamboree will also include better graphical resolutions operating at 1440p in it its docked mode and 1080p in handheld mode.

So far, Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition has not received an official price yet.

Kirby And The Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Kirby and The Forgotten Land has been named as one of the games set to receive an enhanced version. And with the upgrade comes a brand new story entitled, Star-Crossed World and a "visually enhanced with improved frame rates. Kirby and The Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World is set to release on August 28, 2025. But no price has been announced as of yet.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

A new Pokémon game called Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to the Nintendo Switch 2 in late 2025 and an enhanced version of the game has already been announced. During the Switch 2 Direct, the gaming company stated that the new monster collecting title with be given an upgrade to better improve the performance of the title with "higher frame rates and resolution." Specifics regarding what the resolution and FPS would be has not been disclosed. And much like other games on this list, there isn't a set price for the Switch 2 Edition of Legends: Z-A as of right now.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond hasn't been given a concrete release date other than "2025" on the official Nintendo site, so the game still seems set to appear this year. With that being said, Prime 4 has been announced as one of the games receiving a Switch 2 Edition.

With the next-gen upgrade, the latest Metroid title receives support for the Switch 2's mouse control feature, improved resolution, textures, and load times on the new console, and even gets two new modes called Quality Mode, which runs at 60 FPS for 4K action when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, while Performance Mode will allow for the experience to reach 120 FPS in 1080p and displaying a 720p resolution in handheld mode.

Both Quality and Performance Mode will support HDR. Unfortunately, no price has been revealed for the Switch 2 upgrade.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition will both arrive on June 5, 2025. Both titles will receive upgrades to their frame rates, resolution, and load times through the new Switch 2 Edition. This enhancement will also include HDR support for both adventures.

Now, for the price.If players already own the titles and happen to be Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members then the upgrades will be offered for free via the Nintendo eShop. However, if you have already purchased these Zelda titles but aren't an NSO member then the enhanced editions will run you $9.99 each. And for those who don't have the games at all, the Switch 2 Editions for both games will cost $80 each.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition will create a more PC-like experience for players, adding support for the console's new mouse features. The game will be released the same day as the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, but no price has been revealed yet.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

Another title with no information regarding its price, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has been confirmed to be receiving a Switch 2 Edition. Marvelous planned for the game to release on May 30, 3035, but, on April 3rd, 2025, the company announced that the game would be delayed to release worldwide on June 5th, 2025. According to RPG Fan, the game's Switch 2 upgrade will feature a higher resolution, improved FPS, and "the ability to use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls while building a village."

So, What Happens To Backwards Compatible Games Without Switch 2 Editions Or Updates?

As previously mentioned, not all Nintendo Switch 1 games will be getting specific and intentional next-gen upgrades in the form of Free Updates and or Switch 2 Editions. But that doesn't mean that those games will become obsolete either. In fact, playing Switch 1 games on the new consoles will grant them a boost in playability by default. In Nintendo's Ask the Developer Vol. 16: Nintendo Switch 2 — Part 4 article dated April 2nd, 2025, Takuhiro Dohta, Senior Director of Nintendo EPD's Programming, spoke about the Switch 2's new technology that would allow for Switch 1 games to run more efficiently--regardless of whether they received either of the two new enhancements.

"When we tried running Switch games on Switch 2, there were some where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable, so we realized that the overall gameplay experience could improve. And as mentioned previously, GameChat will also be available for Switch games that are played on Switch 2. Even for previously released games, there are opportunities to add value in the sense that it can enhance and change the gameplay experience. We understand that people buy new hardware so they can play new games created for it, so we've developed Switch 2 with that in mind," Dohta expressed.

More games are sure to be added to the list of titles being offered a Free Update or Switch 2 Edition. But, as Nintendo inches closer to the release of their new console, it'll be interesting to see how they work to further differentiate the two improvements in Switch 1 titles and how they decide to price next-gen features.