While it received a somewhat mixed reception after its controversial price points, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems like it will be another massive success for Nintendo if its pre-order sales are any indication. As a massive upgrade from the original console in just about every way, it's not hard to see why the console is performing so well already. While a new console means fewer games to start with at first, Nintendo already has several free upgrades to help you transition to the Switch 2.
One of the more criticized elements of the Switch 2's offerings is its selection of paid digital upgrades, which allow certain games to add improvements to their performance or features. While some of these upgrades can take already fantastic games to even greater heights, many of them don't seem to offer enough to justify paying for the upgrade. Thankfully, Nintendo offers several free upgrades to help you get even more out of some already great games on the Switch 2, available when it launches on June 5.
11 ARMS Will Look Even Better On Switch 2
A Second Life For An Underrated Switch Game
While it might not have been the most widely beloved Switch game, ARMS was still one of the more unique offerings at launch. The fighting game is no stranger to taking advantage of Switch hardware, with the free upgrade offering several performance improvements.
The ARMS fighting game is no stranger to taking advantage of Switch hardware.
The most notable change is improved resolution that scales up to what the Switch 2 is capable of providing, alongside HDR to make the higher-resolution images pop out on compatible screens. ARMS also uses the hardware to offer smoother and more consistent frame rates, a promise that's unfortunately missing from some of the other free upgrades.
10 Big Brain Academy Gets More Multiplayer Options
Offering Family-Friendly Fun For All Ages On The Switch 2
While Big Brain Academy might be far from the most popular game on the Switch, it still fills a great niche on the more educational side of gaming. Much like the original DS entries, Big Brain Academy offers a fun-filled way to keep your mental skills sharp for all ages.
Nintendo Switch Online hip and Nintendo are required to use online features like GameChat.
Although Big Brain Academy won't have any visual upgrades on the Switch 2, given its gameplay, it takes greater advantage of the Switch 2's GameShare . With the new game-sharing features, you can play with up to four players in Party Mode using only a single copy of the game.
9 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker With Co-Op Capabilities
Taking Full Advantage Of The Switch 2's GameShare
Nintendo isn't done with Captain Toad's breakout game yet, as the Mario spinoff is getting its own free upgrade soon as well. Starting with improved visuals, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker will have optimized screen resolution and HDR to make its bright visuals pop.
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While these inclusions are standard among most of Nintendo's upgraded 3D games, the GameShare compatibility is even more exciting. Utilizing the GameChat system, two players can play through all courses of the game either locally or online as usual.
8 Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics To Pad Your Game Library
Adding More Mobile Options For The Switch 2's Roster
The Switch 2 already has a considerable roster of day-one titles, but packaged games like Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics are a great way to get more potential out of your hardware. Acting as a one-stop hub for physical party games, Clubhouse Games can help save storage space as fewer publishers commit to putting full games on Nintendo cartridges.
The Switch 2 takes greater advantage of Clubhouse Games' multiplayer capabilities.
Out of the diverse offerings of tabletop classics in Clubhouse Games, 34 of the 51 games can be played with up to four players locally or online using Gamechat. While part of the charm of the Switch is its ability to play locally, online board games are a fantastic way to bring players together when they can't meet up in the same location.
7 Game Builder Garage Takes Perfect Advantage Of The Switch 2's Hardware
Mouse Controls Offer Even More Accuracy
While it might not be as instantly recognizable as the Super Mario Maker franchise, Game Builder Garage offers a more in-depth way to create your very own games using your Nintendo Switch. Rather than just creating simple stages in other games, Game Builder is an introduction to software that's easy to learn with step-by-step tutorials.
The unique part about Game Builder Garage on the Switch 2 is that it's the only free game take advantage of the exciting Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Utilizing the greater accuracy and speed of navigating through menus, the game-making process should be much faster and less frustrating to use on Switch 2.
6 New Super Mario Bros: U Deluxe Has Never Looked Better
Optimized Visuals For A Classic Mario Experience
It's hard to go wrong with the classic gameplay of a side-scrolling Mario, with New Super Mario Bros: U Deluxe offering a crisp visual experience on Switch 2. Even if there isn't an official Mario game releasing outside of Mario Kart World on the Switch 2's release, there are still plenty of great Mario games getting ported over to the new console.
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Although New Super Mario Bros only had a visual update to match the higher-resolution output of Switch 2, the upgrade helps the already creative style pop out even more on the new console. Even if modern 3D outings like Mario Odyssey have become the standard-bearer for Mario platformers, it's still worth revisiting the original style from time to time.
5 Pokémon Violet & Scarlet Come Into Their Own On The Switch 2
The Smoother Experience That Pokémon Was Expected To Have
Arguably, one of the releases that can benefit the most from the upgrade in the Switch 2's new hardware is the open world of Pokémon Violet & Scarlet. While no content is added in this free upgrade, the updated visuals can go a long way to bring it closer to the ideal immersion the world of Pokémon can offer.
The visual details of Violet & Scarlet will be even clearer to see on the new device.
Starting with the standard resolution upgrades, the visual details of Violet & Scarlet will be even clearer to see on the new device. While the added detail is a welcome change, the most exciting enhancement is the updated frame rate being bundled alongside it, as the games featured disappointing performance on the original hardware.
4 Super Mario 3D World & Bowser's Fury Eases The Wait For An Odyssey Sequel
The Worthwhile Pseudo-Sequel to Mario Odyssey Returns
Super Mario 3D World & Bowser's Fury is getting the most additions at once out of Nintendo's free upgrade offerings, making it a great addition to your Switch 2's library. In of visual upgrades, both titles in this package will receive an increased frame rate and enhanced resolution from the Switch 2's hardware. Bowser's Fury is also receiving HDR compatibility, but that perk won't apply to Super Mario 3D World itself.
On top of the enhanced quality, new GameShare features are being added to increase its multiplayer options. The Switch 2 will playing with up to four players in Super Mario 3D World both locally and online from a single device, including the breakout Captain Toad levels. Bowser's Fury isn't getting left behind with its online aspects either, as the usual Bowser Jr. and Mario team-up makes a return with GameChat compatibility.
3 Super Mario Odyssey On Switch 2 Is Worth A Second Trip
The Staple Of Mario's Switch Adventures Taken To New Heights
Although Super Mario Odyssey's upgrades might seem somewhat tame compared to what was seen with Super Mario 3D World & Bowser's Fury, they're still a more than welcome addition. With no sign of an official Mario Odyssey sequel, replaying the game on the Switch 2 will hopefully be enough to tide me over until Donkey Kong Bananza releases.
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Upgraded with both higher solution visuals and HDR for the first time, the fan-favorite Mario Odyssey will look even more spectacular on the new hardware, whether in docked mode or on the go. Even if the multiplayer is one of the weaker aspects of Mario Odyssey, it can still be enjoyed as usual with a second player controlling Cappy online using GameChat.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Is Optimized For The New Console
Making The Cartoonish Visuals Stand Out Even More
Even if it might not be the same scale as its Tears of the Kingdom counterpart, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom getting a free upgrade on the Switch 2 is a further sign of the classic Zelda renaissance. The smaller-scale projects might not be as popular as Link's open-world adventures, but their creative gameplay mechanics offer a unique experience.
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With improved resolution compatibility thanks to the Switch 2's hardware, the smaller-scale details of Echoes of Wisdom will be even easier to make out. Combined with HDR , Echoes of Wisdom will be best played on the Switch 2 for anyone who hasn't gotten around to experiencing it yet on the original console. That being said, there's no mention of frame rate improvements despite some inconsistent performance on the original Switch.
