Nintendo is aware that part of the interest in Switch 2 is its greater power compared to the first console. Not only for the games it will be able to run that it couldn’t before, but also for the improvements it could bring to previous games on the console. Because being a backward-compatible console means we will be able to play enhanced versions of our Nintendo Switch games. Some of them without having to pay again.
Because although unfortunately some of these updates will be paid —those that are, because they will come with extra content—, there are also free ones. Something we wanted to break down for you in a simple and detailed way before the console’s launch. Because it could very well be that this is what encourages you to get the console. Or to definitely pass on it.
Additionally, before we start, another important detail. All these updates will be available on June 5, the launch day of Nintendo Switch 2.
Games with GameShare compatibility
One of the features that has stood out the most from Nintendo is GameShare. The ability to play with friends in a cooperative manner, share your gameplay screen, and communicate with them through voice chat. Five Nintendo Switch games have confirmed that they will support GameShare and, unsurprisingly, they are five games with some form of cooperative play.
The Nintendo Switch games that will receive GameShare support on Nintendo Switch 2 are 51 Worldwide Games, Big Brain Academy: Brain Battle, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Super Mario Odyssey.
Games with visual enhancements
One thing that happens to the Nintendo Switch is that it is a console that was born with a clear lack of power. This has led to serious problems in making some of its games look good, especially on modern screens. HDR and high-resolution screens do not get along with the Switch, and that is what the patch for these games tries to solve. To make them look as good as possible on Switch 2 and on current TVs and monitors.
The Nintendo Switch games that will receive visual enhancements on Nintendo Switch 2 are ARMS, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Video Game Studio, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Purple, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
Games with FPS Enhancements
In the last years of the Switch’s life, some games performed much worse than we wished. Something we hope Nintendo Switch 2 will manage. Although the list of free patches addressing FPS is much less extensive than we would like and only addresses one game that really needs it, we embrace it because, let’s be honest: a certain Pokémon release really needs that boost.
The Nintendo Switch games that will receive FPS improvements on Nintendo Switch 2 are ARMS, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Purple, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
Mouse mode games
Another great feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that the Joy-Con can function as mice. Something that, as is evident, is difficult to implement in a backward-compatible way. That doesn’t stop us from celebrating that they have at least managed to do it with one title.
The Nintendo Switch game that will receive support with the mouse mode of Nintendo Switch 2 is Video Game Studio.