Guide: Differences Between A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition And Free Switch 2 Update For A Switch Game

If you own a Nintendo Switch game, you may be able to enjoy improved performance, graphics, and possibly even new gameplay content on Nintendo Switch 2 depending on the title.

Did you know that these improvements are offered in different ways? Let’s find out what these differences are about.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games are Nintendo Switch games that fully take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s raw power. If a Nintendo Switch game that you own has a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can purchase an Upgrade Pack from the Nintendo eShop to upgrade it to its Nintendo Switch 2 Edition form.

Usually, Nintendo Switch 2 Editions contain the following technical improvements:

• Improvements to resolution (1440p – 4K)
• HDR support
• Higher quality textures and assets
• Improved frame rate (60 FPS – 120 FPS)
• Faster loading times

Some games may include the following new features:

• GameShare support
• Mouse support
• Camera support
• Microphone support

Certain games, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, also include additional gameplay content that cannot be played on Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for first-party games usually cost USD10 – USD20 more than the base game, while the Upgrade Pack alone costs USD10 – USD20. Games that come with exclusive gameplay content are at the higher end (USD20), and those without at the lower end (USD10).

Free Updates for Switch Games

Certain Nintendo Switch 2 titles may receive free updates on Nintendo Switch to improve playability. This means that the game is much more stable to play on Nintendo Switch 2. For example, games with dynamic resolutions, like Pokemon Scarlet/Violet will benefit from the Switch 2’s increased performance to offer stable frame rates and resolutions.

Certain features, such as GameShare support, may also be added in a free update. At the time of writing, five games, including Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, will receive a free update to add GameShare support.

Usually, free updates for Switch games contain the following technical improvements:

• Improved and stabilized resolution (in most cases, we foresee this being capped at 1080p, but some titles may support up to 4K)
• Improved and stabilized frame rate (in most cases, we foresee this being capped at 60 FPS, but some titles may support up to 120 FPS)
• Faster loading times
• Less bugs/errors

Some games may include the following new features:

• GameShare support

Some Switch games perform better on Switch 2 even without Upgrade Packs and free updates

It is up to the developer and publisher to decide whether a Nintendo Switch game gets a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition or a free update to improve playability on Nintendo Switch 2. Some titles may not get either at all.

Nintendo has confirmed during that testing that some Switch games perform better on Switch 2 even without Upgrade Packs or free updates. For example, Switch games with dynamic resolutions and frame rates may automatically cap out at their best performance, and most Switch games will probably benefit from faster loading times, like Yoshi’s Crafted World.