The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release in June 2025, and Nintendo fans are excited to pick up the new console. The fever for Nintendo's next console has been staggering for many trying to get one. Those who have stuck with the original Nintendo Switch have picked up a variety of games over the last few years, many of which were great first-party and third-party titles. And while some fan favorites will be getting possible sequels and re-releases for the Switch 2, it's uncertain if every major Switch game will get a new update. Certain games that were great to play on the original Switch need to get a free update for those who want to play them on the Nintendo Switch 2.

But is every Nintendo Switch game worthy of receiving a free update for the Switch 2? Not exactly when there are so many games in the console's library. However, there are certain Nintendo Switch games that have had a good enough reception with Nintendo fans that it would be criminal not to do so. Here are 4 Nintendo Switch games that need a free Switch 2 upgrade for everyone picking up a new console. Forgetting about these games for the Nintendo Switch 2 would be a missed opportunity.

4 Doom 2016

Rip and tear some more

One of the more surprising releases for the Nintendo Switch was the 2016 Doom from Bethesda. While the sequel was also released on the Nintendo Switch, the first game was very positively received by everyone. This reboot of a classic FPS series made waves among those who craved the same euphoric feeling of blasting through hordes of demons in the 90s. Luckily, in 2016, Doom delivered on every level. Playing the game portably on the Nintendo Switch meant you could bring the ongoing battles against demons with you anywhere, which ran pretty well on Nintendo's console.

With the release of Doom: The Dark Ages and players being excited about the Doom series, it would make total sense to have a free update for the game on the Switch 2. It can look better, run better, and maybe even have some extra goodies that the series is known for giving fans. One can say the same about Doom Eternal as well, but Doom 2016 stands out as the game that reinvigorated the series for many people. And it's the game that could benefit the most from any upgrades that can come from bringing something to the Nintendo Switch 2. However, if Doom fans had it their way, every single Doom game would be available for the Switch 2. That would be perfect.

3 Metroid Dread

Giving the series more love

The Metroid series is undergoing a renaissance right now with the upcoming release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Nintendo fans are rediscovering their love for the franchise and why Samus Aran is one of the mainstay heroes from Nintendo's pantheon of classic games. Metroid Dread, developed by Nintendo and MercurySteam, is one of those Switch titles that can benefit greatly from getting an updated version on the Nintendo Switch 2, given how long it has been since it released. Although the original game ran well on the Switch, it could benefit from a higher frame rate, polished visuals, and a few other upgrades from a new update. It was not only the first 2D-styled Metroid game to be released in a long time, but it was also one that brought the series back into the public eye in a big way.

While there is no official word from Nintendo or MercurySteam about revisiting the game for a Switch 2 upgrade, it would make a lot of sense for one to happen. Many of the games confirmed to be getting a Switch 2 free update include first-party titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo loves opportunities that put the spotlight back on previously released games, especially when it's one of their characters. And if Kirby and the Forgotten Land could get a new version for the Switch 2 with new content, there's no reason to think Metroid Dread will be forgotten for something similar. In a time when the Metroid series is getting a lot of attention, it would be a missed opportunity for Nintendo not to include this game as well.

2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt looking better on Switch 2

It was a big surprise to many when The Witcher 3: Complete Edition was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Most view the game as a massive RPG that is highly detailed, with an epic story and so many parts that make for a very intense game. So, having all of it squeezed down onto the Nintendo Switch was a great accomplishment by CD Projekt Red. And to the delight of many fans, the company is looking to do the same thing for Cyberpunk 2077 for the Nintendo Switch 2. But does that mean we can't see The Witcher 3 getting an update as well for Nintendo's new hardware?

For now, CD Projekt Red seems to have a lot of its attention focused on Cyberpunk 2077 regarding the Switch 2. But with the 20th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt happening now in 2025, it would make all the sense in the world for the company to do something for the game as well. Although they celebrated the anniversary with a special trailer for the game released online, Witcher fans are still holding out hope that the game will be among the titles to get a Switch 2 update. It's not like CD Projekt Red to skip out on a chance to polish up one of their games some more when the opportunity arises. A better frame rate and other tweaks could be enough to make Witcher fans very happy with their Nintendo Switch 2.

1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

They absolutely want it

Arguably, the biggest release for the Nintendo Switch was Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and it's not even close. The level of excitement and hype surrounding the game was unlike any other release for the console, with some possibly pointing to Super Mario Odyssey or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as close contenders. But it's no secret that Nintendo fans love playing Super Smash Bros. games, and Nintendo loves releasing them. There was a lot of post-release support for the game, leading up to the later lifespan of the original Switch, just before the announcement of the Switch 2. So would Nintendo ignore a chance to keep the momentum going for one of the biggest Switch releases ever?

As of now, no official comment from Nintendo has indicated a free Switch 2 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will ever happen, despite other games before and after its release being confirmed to receive one. For some, this could be an indicator of an entirely new Smash Bros. game in development, although this seems unlikely. In the past, Nintendo has released separate games between two iterations of their console, more specifically, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. What makes this game different, however, is the amount of post-release content and updates that Smash Ultimate has received over the years since it first arrived on the Switch. There's not much that would need to be done here, as even a small change and branding for the game on the Switch 2 would be enough to make rabid Super Smash Bros. fans come back to it on the new console.

Updating for new hardware

While the list of games getting a free update for the Nintendo Switch 2 is small now, there's a strong possibility that it will grow. Whether it's by the time the Switch 2 releases or afterward, fans are hoping that many of the games released for the original Nintendo Switch will get some sort of free update to play on the new hardware. Some titles are getting full new releases with additional content and more, but not every Switch game will get that same treatment. However, even a smaller update to beloved games will be enough to grab the attention of people who are interested in the Nintendo Switch 2. If they know that some of the previous games they own, or others they haven't gotten into yet, have something a bit extra when playing on the Nintendo Switch 2, they'll definitely notice. It's just a matter of whether companies want to take advantage of that or not.