"Nintendo Switch 2 Enhances Original Games"

The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and as previously announced, it offers robust backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch 1 games. However, Nintendo is taking things a step further by introducing specially enhanced versions of Switch 1 games for the Switch 2. These enhancements go beyond mere graphical and framerate improvements, offering a richer gaming experience.

**What Games are Playable on Switch 2?** ----------------------------------------

Nintendo has categorized games for the Switch 2 into three types. First, there are native Switch 2 games, designed exclusively for the new console and not playable on the original Switch. Second, compatible Switch 1 games that can be played directly on the Switch 2 using the same cartridges. Lastly, Switch 2 Edition games, which are enhanced versions of Switch 1 titles, featuring new features and performance upgrades when played on the Switch 2.

This classification does not include the classic games available through Nintendo Switch Online, which encompasses titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and now GameCube.

So What Comes in a Switch 2 Edition Game?

The key highlight from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is that Nintendo is adding extra value to the Switch 2 Edition of Switch 1 games. Take, for example, Super Mario Party Jamboree. Its Switch 2 Edition includes a new content suite called Jamboree TV, designed to leverage the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, Switch 2 microphone, and the optional Switch 2 USB-C camera.

Alongside improved resolutions up to 1440p in TV mode and enhanced frame rates, players can expect new minigames and additional online features.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a cross-gen title, will support Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and offer multiple display modes. Quality Mode delivers 60fps at 4K when docked, or 1080p at 60fps in handheld, while Performance Mode offers 120fps at 1080p when docked or 120fps at 720p in handheld, with HDR support across all modes.

Other Switch 2 Edition titles, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land, will include new story content like the Star-Crossed World add-on. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will benefit from the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, offering guides and gameplay assistance.

Some games, like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, will focus solely on performance and resolution enhancements for their Switch 2 Edition.

When are the Switch 2 Edition Games Coming?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, coinciding with the launch of the first batch of Switch 2 Edition games. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will receive their Switch 2 Editions on the launch day.

Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Kirby and the Forgotten Land's update will follow on July 24, 2025, and August 28, 2025, respectively. Release dates for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are still pending, but they are slated for sometime in 2025.

**How Much Will Switch 2 Editions Cost?** -----------------------------------------

Pricing for Switch 2 Editions varies. If you do not own the Switch 1 version of a game, you can purchase the Switch 2 Edition at retail, easily identifiable by its new red-colored physical game case. Digital versions will feature a prominent Switch 2 logo.

For existing Switch 1 game owners looking to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition, Nintendo offers an upgrade pack. These can be bought at select retailers, the official My Nintendo Store, and Nintendo eShop. Pricing for these upgrade packs has not been disclosed yet.

Notably, the upgrade to the Switch 2 Editions of 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 ImagesThere you have it—a comprehensive guide to the Switch 2 Editions of games. Nintendo's commitment to backward compatibility ensures a smooth transition to the Switch 2, and the introduction of enhanced Switch 1 games promises to enrich the launch library with improved versions of beloved classics.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore the latest news from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, including pricing and pre-order information.