Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades: Free Patches Announced for 12 Popular Games

Nintendo has officially unveiled the details for its Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade initiative, confirming free launch patches for a lineup of beloved first-party Nintendo Switch games.

This move, announced ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2’s much-anticipated release, underlines the company's commitment to supporting existing players as they transition to the next generation of hardware.

Twelve major titles are set to receive significant improvements, from visual enhancements to new multiplayer functionality. Scheduled for rollout on June 5, 2025—the same day Nintendo Switch 2 debuts—these updates will deliver a suite of benefits for select games.

The focus ranges from advanced graphical features, such as HDR support, to the implementation of improved frame rates and expanded social play through GameShare. Titles like ARMS, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury headline the update push.

For these games, Nintendo promises optimized visuals geared towards the Switch 2’s upgraded display capabilities and compatibility with high-resolution TVs.

For example, players diving back into ARMS can expect enhanced image quality and significantly smoother animation, even in local multiplayer scenarios.

The inclusion of HDR (High Dynamic Range) in a growing number of games, including Bowser’s Fury and both The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Link’s Awakening, signals a tangible graphical leap. GameShare functionality receives a spotlight as well, expanding local and online multiplayer possibilities.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs.

Brain allows up to four users to enjoy Party Mode together, either locally or via online GameChat.

Similarly, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics will support GameShare across 34 of its mini-games.

Super Mario 3D World lets four players team up, and Bowser’s Fury enables a co-op duo, all accessible remotely through GameChat. Performance upgrades are also front and center for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, delivering smoother frame rates and sharper visuals specifically tailored for the Switch 2’s architecture.

Other titles benefiting from these enhancements include Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Game Builder Garage—with new Joy-Con 2 mouse controls—and New Super Mario Bros.

U Deluxe. To ensure backward compatibility while embracing Nintendo Switch 2’s technical advances, each game’s update is engineered to run natively on the new hardware without added cost.

This strategic move lets players return to their favorite experiences with notable improvements, while strengthening the value proposition of Nintendo’s software library heading into the next console generation. With a June 5, 2025 release date set for all twelve patches, Nintendo is positioning the Switch 2 as a seamless, enhanced continuation of its most successful titles.

Nintendo Switch 2 owners will find their digital and physical game libraries ready to take full advantage of the system’s boost in performance and visual fidelity, starting at launch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo GameShare Switch 2 Switch