If you're holding off on getting a Nintendo Switch 2 because you think that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are the only two games you can play right now, you're mistaken (although, you definitely need to play both of those games). In fact, there are a lot of games you can play on the new handheld, including the best titles from the original Nintendo Switch generation — and with better visuals than ever before. That's because Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for a slate of its most popular Switch games.
Can you upgrade your Switch 1 game for the Switch 2 for free? Yes and no. While you can upgrade some Switch games for free, others require you to purchase a Switch 2 upgrade pack, though these upgrades are much cheaper than a typical video game. Each upgrade brings new features, improvements, and in some cases, brand-new game modes and DLC packs that weren't included in their original releases.
How do Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades work?
As with most things Nintendo, upgrading your old Switch games can be confusing, and it requires a little bit of brain power to figure out exactly how it works. But, to keep things simple, it comes down to this: If you already own the original game on the old Nintendo Switch, you are eligible to either buy the upgrade pack (which costs much less than the full price of the game) or upgrade for free, depending on the title.
If you don't already own a particular game, you still need to buy the game at full price to enjoy those upgrades for the Switch 2. This also applies to the physical copies of each eligible game.
Which games are eligible for Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades?
Below, we've put together a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades you can get, as well as how to get them.
Best paid Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades
Why we like it
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is considered to be one of the greatest Nintendo games ever made, so it's a no-brainer to either upgrade for just $9.99 or buy a new copy if you haven't yet played it. The Switch 2 edition of the game comes with Zelda Notes support (a "game-specific service via Nintendo Switch App"), better resolution and frame rates, faster load times, and HDR support.
Why we like it
Many of us grew up playing the Mario Party games with our loved ones, and Jamboree is the Mario Party formula perfected. The $19.99 upgrade includes new game modes that make use of the Switch 2's mouse controls and other accessories, CameraPlay support, GameShare compatibility, enhanced resolution and frame rates, as well as access to Jamboree TV — a new game show hosted by Toad himself.
More games
To see a breakdown of new features included in each Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, check out Nintendo's helpful guide.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World — $79.99 or $19.99 to upgrade
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade
PokémonLegends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Coming soon
Best free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades
Why we like it
Super Mario Odyssey is regarded as one of Nintendo's best-ever 3D platformers featuring the iconic Italian plumber, and its free upgrade comes with enhanced visuals, HDR support, GameShare features, and GameChat compatibility. It's the best way to play one of the best Nintendo Switch games, so don't skip over it.
Why we like it
An underrated gem from the original Nintendo Switch, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's Switch 2 upgrade got all the same updates that Super Mario Odyssey did — better visuals, HDR support, and compatibility with the new GameShare and GameChat features. If you're looking for a fun, cute puzzle game to play through, look no further. If you already own Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, you can upgrade the title for Switch 2 for free.
More games
To see a breakdown of new features included in each free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, check out Nintendo's helpful guide. While you can upgrade these video games for the Switch 2 at no cost, if you don't already own the game, you'll still need to purchase the title.
Arms — $59.99
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — $29.99
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics — $39.99
Game Builder Garage — $29.99
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — $59.99
Pokémon Scarlet — $59.99
Pokémon Violet — $59.99
Splatoon 3 — $59.99
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — $59.99
