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Free Switch 2 Game Update Changes
Nintendo has detailed what improvements players should expect with free Switch 2 updates for original Switch games, such as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Super Mario Odyssey. The benefits range from frame-rate improvements to HDR support.
Switch 2 is backwards compatible with almost all original Switch games, though there are some exceptions. Nintendo has only pointed to these 12 games as receiving free Switch 2 updates so far, and there has been no indication of other titles getting patched in the future. Added GameShare and GameChat functionality are two newly touted social features for Switch 2. The former can let players share a game to other people (even on the original Switch) with just a single copy of the game. Meanwhile, GameChat lets people talk together online and even share their gameplay over the internet.
The Nintendo website provides game specifics for the Switch 2 updates, as Pokemon Scarlet/Violet will see better image quality and improved frame rates on the upcoming hybrid console. Indications are that it does indeed run much smoother than on the original Switch.
Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will receive upgraded image quality and HDR support, though nothing is confirmed for the game’s previously reported frame-rate issues. However, there is speculation the title has an uncapped frame rate that will naturally benefit from running on the more powerful Switch 2.
In addition to these free updates, there will also be paid Switch 2 Editions of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Below is the list of Switch games getting free Switch 2 updates and how they will improve. Don’t forget the system’s tablet features HDR support, but a compatible TV is needed in docked mode.
