Know The Difference: Nintendo Switch 2 Editions Vs. Free Updates
April 2, 2025
Thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, we know that the Switch 2 is capable of playing 3 different kinds of games: Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives, games from the original Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. These may all seem definitively distinct, but some confusion has arisen regarding how Nintendo plans to improve old Switch games for the Switch 2. Some games will indeed receive upgraded editions, but you can also expect to see free updates for various other titles. There definitely is a difference.
Free Updates For Improved Playability (And GameShare Support)
Select Nintendo Switch games will be receiving free updates to improve their playability on the Nintendo Switch 2. What that mostly means is that the majority of chosen games will be updated so that they can properly support GameShare, Nintendo's newest online feature.
A few Nintendo Switch titles, though, will received updates more directly dedicated to performance. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, for example, will play better on the Nintendo Switch 2. Enhanced resolutions and framerates likely aren't on the table, though. 30 fps games will probably just feel like a smoother 30 fps. Not exactly a huge deal, but it's nice if you plan on revisiting old Nintendo Switch experiences on the new console.
For a list of all the Switch games with free updates designed for the Nintendo Switch 2, you can reference Nintendo's website.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Offer More In Different Ways
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will cost more than their Switch 1 counterpart. And if you already own the base Nintendo Switch game, upgrading will come at a fee. Either $10 or $20 USD, depending on the game. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, for example, comes with an improved framerate and a whole new story, Star-Crossed World. That'll cost you $20 more. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, on the other hand, will see improved frame rates, resolution, load times, and HDR support. No extra content, though, means that it will only cost you $10 more.
Related Read
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs are all different from each other. They validate their price in their own unique way. Free updates are unlikely to compare at all when it comes to performance or rendering benefits. For a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game upgrade details, you can reference Nintendo's page on the topic.
