The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, brings significant hardware improvements over its predecessor, enabling enhanced performance for many Switch 1 games. While the Switch 2 is backward compatible with most Switch 1 titles, certain games have received substantial upgrades—either through free performance patches or paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs—that make them shine on the new console. Below, we highlight the Switch 1 games that have seen the most dramatic improvements, based on enhanced visuals, frame rates, new features, and additional content.
1. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet faced heavy criticism on the original Switch for performance issues, including frame rate drops, texture pop-ins, and low-resolution visuals. The free Switch 2 update transforms these games into what feels like a "light remaster," delivering a near-night-and-day difference. Key upgrades include:
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Visuals: Optimized for 4K at 60 FPS when docked, with improved image quality and reduced texture pop-ins. Character models in the distance now animate smoothly, and more Pokémon appear on-screen from farther away.
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Frame Rate: Stabilized at 60 FPS, eliminating the sub-30 FPS stutters seen on Switch 1, even during demanding scenes like flying over Casseroya Lake or in rainy weather.
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Performance: Snappier menus and faster loading times for fast travel and model rendering in shops, addressing major pain points from the original release.
These enhancements make Scarlet and Violet far more enjoyable, with IGN noting that the update’s quality suggests the games may have been designed with Switch 2 in mind. If performance issues deterred you before, these games are worth revisiting on Switch 2.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom, a technical marvel on Switch 1, pushed the original hardware to its limits, often dropping to 20 FPS in complex scenes. The paid Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack ($9.99, or free with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership) elevates the experience significantly, while even the unpatched version benefits from the new hardware. Highlights include:
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Visuals and Frame Rate: The paid upgrade delivers 1440p resolution at 60 FPS in docked mode, compared to the dynamic 900p and unstable 30 FPS on Switch 1. Handheld mode runs at 1080p and 60 FPS. Even without the upgrade, the game maintains a locked 30 FPS with maxed-out dynamic resolution, eliminating drops during Ultrahand use.
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New Features: The Zelda Notes feature enhances Ultrahand functionality, allowing players to import more builds, fundamentally improving open-world creativity.
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Performance: Reduced texture pop-ins and smoother animations make Hyrule feel more immersive.
The combination of visual fidelity, stable performance, and new gameplay features makes Tears of the Kingdom one of the most improved titles on Switch 2.
3. Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree’s Switch 2 Edition, released on July 24, 2025, introduces a major overhaul with new content and technical enhancements. The upgrade pack (price TBD) leverages Switch 2’s hardware and peripherals for a richer experience:
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Visuals: Supports 1440p in TV mode and 1080p in handheld/tabletop modes, with HDR for vibrant colors. Frame rates are optimized for smoother gameplay, even in multiplayer.
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New Content: The Jamboree TV mode adds new minigames and online functions, utilizing Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, the Switch 2 microphone, and an optional USB-C camera peripheral.
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Features: GameShare support allows up to four players to join locally or online via GameChat, and new modes incorporate CameraPlay minigames, exclusive to Switch 2.
The combination of enhanced visuals, new modes, and innovative use of Switch 2 peripherals makes this one of the most comprehensive upgrades, perfect for social gaming.
4. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, launching its Switch 2 Edition on August 28, 2025, benefits from both technical upgrades and new content, addressing the original’s low-texture models and performance hiccups:
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Visuals and Frame Rate: Enhanced resolutions (up to 1440p docked, 1080p handheld) and improved frame rates eliminate slowdowns. Visuals are sharper, reducing the clash between Kirby’s cartoony aesthetic and the realistic environments.
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New Content: The Star-Crossed World story expansion adds a new narrative arc, exclusive to the Switch 2 Edition, giving players fresh content to explore.
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Performance: Faster load times and smoother animations enhance the 3D platforming experience.
The paid upgrade pack (price TBD) transforms Kirby’s adventure into a showcase of Switch 2’s capabilities, with the new story making it a must-play for fans.
5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
As a cross-gen title launching in 2025, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is optimized for both Switch 1 and Switch 2, but the Switch 2 Edition offers significant enhancements that make it a standout:
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Visuals and Frame Rate: Features two modes—Quality Mode (4K at 60 FPS docked, 1080p at 60 FPS handheld) and Performance Mode (1080p at 120 FPS docked, 720p at 120 FPS handheld). Enhanced textures and resolutions make it a visual benchmark for Switch 2.
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New Features: Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for precise aiming, a first for the series, enhancing the first-person shooter experience.
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Performance: Reduced load times and smoother gameplay ensure a seamless experience, especially in high-action sequences.
Available as a full Switch 2 Edition or via an upgrade pack for Switch 1 owners, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond leverages Switch 2’s power to deliver a polished, next-gen feel.
Why These Upgrades Stand Out
These games benefit most from Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, including a 10x graphics performance boost via Nvidia’s T239 processor, DLSS upscaling, and ray-tracing capabilities. The 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen with HDR and 120Hz support, plus 256GB of faster storage, further enhances the experience. Paid Switch 2 Edition upgrades often include exclusive content, like new story expansions or modes, while free updates focus on performance and visuals, with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet being a prime example of the latter’s impact.
How to Access These Upgrades
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Free Updates: Available via the Nintendo eShop by updating the game on Switch 2. Titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet require an internet connection and system update.
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Paid Upgrade Packs: Priced between $9.99 and $20 (e.g., Zelda titles at $9.99), these can be purchased digitally via the eShop or as part of physical Switch 2 Edition cartridges (red-colored cases).
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Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Grants free access to upgrades for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 breathes new life into select Switch 1 games, with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond showcasing the biggest leaps. Whether through free performance boosts or paid editions with new content, these titles demonstrate the Switch 2’s potential to enhance your existing library. Check the Nintendo eShop or official game websites for the latest on available upgrades, and dive into these revitalized classics on Nintendo’s powerful new hybrid console.
EsportsHeaven
2025-06-10 07:15:09