Switch 2 might be promising exciting new instalments of classic franchises (like, say, that open-world Mario Kart), but Nintendo has now also confirmed it’ll be releasing special enhanced editions of original Switch games featuring higher resolutions, improved frame rates, and more.
While Nintendo is yet to share an exhaustive list of games getting the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition treatment (as it’s calling the initiative), the following are so far confirmed: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Metroid Prime: Beyond, and Pokemon Legends Z-A.
These Nintendo Switch 2 Editions will all be available to purchase in both physical and digital forms, but players who already own the original Switch versions can alternatively purchase an upgrade pack to get access to the new Switch 2 features. Prices have not yet been revealed.
Starting with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, these’ll both get enhanced resolution and improved frame rates on Switch 2, alongside support for HDR, and a number of brand-new features. Zelda Notes, for instance, is a available via the Nintendo Switch App on smart devices and offers a range of helpful tools to get the most out of your Zelda-ing, such as pointers toward shrines and Korok locations – and it’ll even read out directions so you don’t need to be looking at the screen. Additionally, Tears of the Kingdom players can upload their creations to the app then share them with other players.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, meanwhile, is getting additional story content in its Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – taking place after the Forgotten Land has been struck by a mysterious meteor – alongside improved graphics and frame rates. And as for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, its Switch 2 Edition adds support for mouse controls in addition to its standard control scheme. Switch 2 players also get several fidelity options: it’s playable at 4K and 60fps with HDR in Quality Mode, and at 1080p/120fps with HDR in Performance mode.
Pokemon Legends Z-A is also set to received a Switch 2 Edition which similarly promises enhanced resolution and frame rates, and there are improvements coming to Super Mario Party Jamboree.
All these Switch 2 Editions and their associated upgrades will be available when the console launches on 5th June.