Nintendo Switch 2 Boosts Classic Titles with Framerate and Resolution Updates, Furukawa Explains Strategy
As Nintendo continues to shape the future of its gaming ecosystem, the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has ushered in a wave of enhanced experiences for its established library.
Longtime fans and newcomers alike are witnessing original Nintendo Switch titles receive substantial updates, most notably in the form of improved framerate and resolution when played on the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
This strategy is part of Nintendo’s broader vision to keep players engaged across generations and fuel interest in its latest platform. Nintendo, a company with a longstanding legacy in the gaming industry, demonstrated this approach with a major free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in January, followed closely by significant enhancements to Splatoon 3.
These updates have not only revitalized the existing player base, but have also attracted new players experiencing these acclaimed games on upgraded hardware for the first time. Speaking to investors, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa outlined the intent behind this initiative: "We believe there is substantial merit in continuing to enhance software for the widely adopted Nintendo Switch.
By updating beloved titles, we encourage both current and lapsed players to revisit their games, which in turn helps to highlight the benefits and possibilities offered by the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2." Furukawa confirmed that, in January, the company launched a comprehensive free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
This move quickly yielded results, with many returning to the game—some after a break—and a significant number of new players exploring the title on the latest console.
Furukawa noted that this reception marked a strong beginning to the year for Nintendo.
He further emphasized the importance of steady content releases during the platform transition, stating, "To encourage the adoption of new hardware, it’s crucial to deliver new titles regularly.
At the same time, as our users transition from the Switch to Switch 2 in the years ahead, maintaining our connection with the broader Nintendo community is equally vital.
That’s why we’ve prioritized updating popular Switch hits like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 3 at this stage.
Our goal is to keep people engaged on Switch, while also smoothing the transition to Switch 2 when new titles spark interest." Nintendo’s focus on free content updates for legacy games not only sustains user engagement on the Nintendo Switch but also incentivizes future upgrades as the company’s player base migrates to the Nintendo Switch 2.
By keeping classic titles fresh and relevant through improved performance and enhanced features, Nintendo is ensuring that its ecosystem remains vibrant as it charts a path into the next generation of gaming.
Longtime fans and newcomers alike are witnessing original Nintendo Switch titles receive substantial updates, most notably in the form of improved framerate and resolution when played on the new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
This strategy is part of Nintendo’s broader vision to keep players engaged across generations and fuel interest in its latest platform. Nintendo, a company with a longstanding legacy in the gaming industry, demonstrated this approach with a major free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in January, followed closely by significant enhancements to Splatoon 3.
These updates have not only revitalized the existing player base, but have also attracted new players experiencing these acclaimed games on upgraded hardware for the first time. Speaking to investors, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa outlined the intent behind this initiative: "We believe there is substantial merit in continuing to enhance software for the widely adopted Nintendo Switch.
By updating beloved titles, we encourage both current and lapsed players to revisit their games, which in turn helps to highlight the benefits and possibilities offered by the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2." Furukawa confirmed that, in January, the company launched a comprehensive free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
This move quickly yielded results, with many returning to the game—some after a break—and a significant number of new players exploring the title on the latest console.
Furukawa noted that this reception marked a strong beginning to the year for Nintendo.
He further emphasized the importance of steady content releases during the platform transition, stating, "To encourage the adoption of new hardware, it’s crucial to deliver new titles regularly.
At the same time, as our users transition from the Switch to Switch 2 in the years ahead, maintaining our connection with the broader Nintendo community is equally vital.
That’s why we’ve prioritized updating popular Switch hits like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 3 at this stage.
Our goal is to keep people engaged on Switch, while also smoothing the transition to Switch 2 when new titles spark interest." Nintendo’s focus on free content updates for legacy games not only sustains user engagement on the Nintendo Switch but also incentivizes future upgrades as the company’s player base migrates to the Nintendo Switch 2.
By keeping classic titles fresh and relevant through improved performance and enhanced features, Nintendo is ensuring that its ecosystem remains vibrant as it charts a path into the next generation of gaming.
