"Nintendo Switch 2 Enhances Original Games"

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and as previously announced, it offers extensive backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch 1 games. However, Nintendo is going a step further by introducing specially enhanced versions of these games, dubbed Switch 2 Editions. These versions promise more than just graphical and framerate improvements, bringing new features and content to enhance the gaming experience.

Nintendo has outlined three primary categories of games for the Switch 2. First, there are native Switch 2 games, designed specifically for the new system and not playable on the original Switch. Second, compatible Switch 1 games, which can be played directly on the Switch 2 using their existing cartridges. Finally, Switch 2 Edition games, which are enhanced versions of Switch 1 titles, featuring new features and performance boosts.

It's worth noting that this classification does not include the classic games accessible through Nintendo Switch Online, which offers a vast library from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and now the GameCube.

So What Comes in a Switch 2 Edition Game?

Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct highlighted that Switch 2 Editions of Switch 1 games come with significant enhancements. Take Super Mario Party Jamboree, for instance; its Switch 2 Edition includes a new feature called Jamboree TV, utilizing the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls, the Switch 2's microphone, and a separately sold USB-C camera. Additionally, players can expect upgraded visuals up to 1440p in TV mode, improved frame rates, new minigames, and enhanced online capabilities.

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

Other Switch 2 Edition titles, like Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Star-Crossed World add-on, will introduce new story content. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will integrate with the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, providing guides and game help. Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will focus solely on performance and resolution enhancements.

When are the Switch 2 Edition Games Coming?

Set for release on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 will see its first batch of Switch 2 Edition games launch simultaneously. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be available on launch day. Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s update are scheduled for July 24, 2025, and August 28, 2025, respectively. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are slated for release sometime in 2025, though exact dates are yet to be announced.

Pricing for Switch 2 Editions varies. If you're new to these games, you can buy the Switch 2 Edition at retail, which comes in a distinctive red-colored physical case. Digital versions will feature a prominent Switch 2 logo for easy identification.

For existing Switch 1 game owners looking to upgrade, Nintendo offers upgrade packs, available at select retailers, the My Nintendo Store, and the Nintendo eShop. Pricing for these packs hasn't been disclosed yet. Notably, upgrades for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are included in the 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 ImagesIn summary, the Switch 2 Editions promise to enhance your gaming experience with new features and performance upgrades. Nintendo's commitment to backward compatibility ensures a smooth transition to the Switch 2, while these enhanced editions add exciting new content to beloved classics.

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