The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to debut this week with a selection of new titles, yet for many users, the primary appeal lies in playing games designed for the original Switch console.
Anticipation has been building for months regarding the Switch 2’s backward compatibility with the majority of Switch games. A pressing question remained: would the enhanced hardware of the new system favor older Switch titles? Recent years have seen many first- and third-party games struggle on the original Switch due to its aging Nvidia chipset, which was already somewhat outdated when the console launched in 2017.
After testing various Switch games on the Switch 2, it has been confirmed that existing titles can display significantly improved visuals on the new system. Games that Nintendo has updated specifically for the Switch 2—with dedicated upgrade packs or free updates—show enhancements including higher resolutions, better frame rates, reduced texture pop-in, and overall smoother animations. Even titles lacking Switch 2-specific updates appear to run more reliably, though the improvements are more pronounced for those that have received updates.
What follows is not an exhaustive review but a glimpse into how different Switch games perform on the Switch 2. For players dissatisfied with the performance of older titles, the news is generally positive.
Types of Switch 2 Game Updates
From our testing, Nintendo Switch games running on the Switch 2 can be categorized into four main groups:
Games with paid updates, known as “Switch 2 Editions.” These $10 to $20 upgrade packs promise significant improvements in resolution and frame rate for original Switch titles on the Switch 2, sometimes adding other downloadable content. Examples include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, as well as Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Once updated, these games are treated as fully-fledged Switch 2 titles.
Games with highlighted free updates. Nintendo has created a page showcasing roughly a dozen specific Switch titles that have received free updates aimed at enhancing their performance on the Switch 2. Changes vary by game, while the console maintains their status as original Switch games. Titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening are included.
Games with silent updates. On June 3, Nintendo quietly released updates for various first-party titles mentioned as having “adjustments made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Specific improvements are rare, but some titles address compatibility issues. Examples include Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Kirby Star Allies, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Games without updates. These games continue to function without any acknowledgment of the Switch 2 and have not received any specific updates regarding it.
We will examine the graphical improvements for these categories independently. Most videos and screenshots were captured using an Elgato 4K X USB capture device; however, some images were taken directly from the console while in handheld mode. The Switch 2 offers 4K visuals when docked, compared to the 1080p of the original Switch, with upscaled images provided for comparison purposes.
Switch 2 Editions
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Switch 1, docked.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Switch 2 Edition, docked. You’ll never want to look at the old version again.
The substantial monetary investment in these upgrades comes with an expectation for considerable improvements. For instance, running the Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom feels distinctly upgraded; resolution and frame rates remain stable and smooth, even during challenging game sections like Kakariko Village, as captured in our video.
Highlighted Free Updates
In examining three updated titles—Super Mario Odyssey, Pokémon Violet, and Link’s Awakening—it’s noteworthy how these games maintain the feel of Switch 2 Editions.
Pokémon Violet, Switch 1, docked.
Pokémon Violet, Switch 2, docked.
Pokémon Violet exhibits the most significant enhancements, to the point where the free update may be considered a generous “Switch 2 Edition” upgrade, compensating players for the original’s shortcomings. Comparison footage reveals a dramatic improvement in frame rates (from below 30 fps to a stable 60 fps), alongside noticeable upgrades in resolution and a reduction in texture pop-in. While some issues remain, like visible pop-in and texture quality, the overall experience has improved considerably.
For more stable titles on the original Switch, such as Mario Odyssey, the enhancements are subtler, yet still commendable. Side-by-side screenshots of these titles illustrate the detail benefits brought by the Switch 2.
Link’s Awakening on the Switch 1, docked.
Link’s Awakening on the Switch 2, docked.
Just from reviewing videos of these games, one can notice the improved resolutions on the Switch 2, alleviating some of the original Switch’s minor frame rate issues.
Quiet Updates
For games falling into the last two categories, the graphic improvements are not as pronounced. In handheld mode, certain titles appeared slightly worse on the Switch 2 as a result of a 720p image being upscaled to a higher resolution.
Kirby Star Allies, Switch 1, docked.
Kirby Star Allies, Switch 2, docked.
Nonetheless, minor graphical enhancements have been noted. In Kirby Star Allies, while the 3D visuals remained largely unchanged, the UI’s 2D elements demonstrated increased sharpness attributable to the Switch 2’s 4K output.
Games Without Updates
Contrary to hopes that all titles would benefit from some upgrade, many games, including Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, look nearly identical on both systems due to the absence of specific Switch 2 updates. Although minor differences may be observable, the visual enhancements aren’t substantial.
Pokémon Legends Arceus, Switch 1, docked.
Pokémon Legends Arceus, Switch 2, docked.
That said, the Switch 2 may slightly improve performance consistency, as seen in Pokémon Legends footage. While the resolution and draw distance remained the same, the minor frame drops and stutters on the Switch 1 appeared less problematic on the newer console, achieving more consistent performance.
While the transition is not seamless for all titles—some will require updates to function optimally—Nintendo has noted that while most games should operate properly, a few have been highlight as needing fixes. Developers who put effort into optimizing their games for the Switch 2 could significantly improve player experiences without alienating those who remain on the original console. The extent of modifications required remains uncertain, but there is hope for more third-party titles to receive updates to fully utilize the Switch 2 capabilities.
