"Nintendo Switch 2 Enhances Original Games"

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and as previously reported, it boasts impressive backward compatibility with games from the original Switch. However, Nintendo is taking things a step further by introducing specially enhanced versions of Switch 1 games for the Switch 2, which go beyond mere graphical and framerate improvements.

Nintendo has categorized the games playable on the Switch 2 into three distinct types. First, there are native Switch 2 games, designed exclusively for this new system and not playable on the original Switch. Second, you have compatible Switch 1 games that can be played natively on the Switch 2 by simply inserting their cartridges. Finally, Switch 2 Edition games are Switch 1 titles that receive significant new features and performance enhancements when played on the Switch 2.

It's worth noting that this classification doesn't include the classic games available through Nintendo Switch Online, which offers a rich library spanning the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and now the GameCube.

So What Comes in a Switch 2 Edition Game?

The key takeaway from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is that Nintendo is keen on offering added value for players opting for Switch 2 Editions of Switch 1 games.

Take, for instance, Super Mario Party Jamboree, originally a Switch game. The Switch 2 Edition introduces Jamboree TV, a new suite of content that leverages the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, the Switch 2 microphone, and the separately sold Switch 2 USB-C camera. Alongside these new features, you can expect upgraded resolution up to 1440p in TV mode, improved frame rates, new minigames, and enhanced online functionalities.

For Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a cross-gen title, you'll benefit from mouse controls using the Joy-Con 2, and multiple display modes like Quality Mode, which offers 60fps at 4K when docked, or 1080p at 60fps in handheld mode; and Performance Mode, which ramps up to 120fps at 1080p when docked, or 120fps at 720p in handheld mode. All modes support HDR, promising a visually stunning experience.

Other Switch 2 Edition titles, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Star-Crossed World add-on, bring new story content. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will gain additional support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, offering guides and in-game assistance. Meanwhile, some games like Pokemon Legends: Z-A will focus solely on performance and resolution enhancements.

When are the Switch 2 Edition Games Coming?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5, 2025, which aligns with the launch of the first batch of Switch 2 Edition games.

On launch day, June 5, 2025, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be available in their Switch 2 Editions. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV will follow on July 24, 2025, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s update is set for August 28, 2025. Both Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are expected to release their Switch 2 Editions sometime in 2025, though exact dates remain undisclosed.

Pricing for Switch 2 Editions varies depending on ownership of the original Switch 1 version. If you're new to the game, you can buy the Switch 2 Edition at retail, easily identifiable by its distinctive red-colored physical game case. Digital versions will feature a prominent Switch 2 logo for clarity.

For those who already own the Switch 1 version and wish to access the upgrades in the Switch 2 Edition, you'll need to purchase an upgrade pack from Nintendo. These will be available at select retailers, the official My Nintendo Store, and the Nintendo eShop. The cost of these upgrade packs has yet to be announced.

Notably, some upgrade packs, like those for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, will be included with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which also provides access to online features and a classic game library.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Editions

4 ImagesIn summary, this covers everything you need to know about the Switch 2 Editions of games. Nintendo is ensuring a smooth transition to the Switch 2 with its backward compatibility, and it's enhancing the launch library with improved versions of beloved Switch classics.

For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2, including all the news from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, pricing, and pre-order information, stay tuned.