One of the biggest takeaways from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this week is the enhanced jump select titles will exert compared to games from its previous hardware. Titles like Mario Kart World which explores a new terrain in a completely open-world setting. And FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods which revamps excitement on the now-dormant Bloodborne IP with a new universe coming in 2026.
While Nintendo has confirmed that games will be backwards compatible, there is more that you can do. Last week the firm shared that both Nintendo Switch generations will support Virtual Game Card. Essentially, you can offer friends the same way you would with a physical cartridge and lend to others for a select window.
But as for how these games play on newer hardware, there is a selection of first-party titles that will be enhanced. During the showcase, there’s a group of titles that will be available with ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ (s) in both digital & physical formats. You can read the list of featured games below:
Arms
Big Brain Adademy: Brain vs. Brain
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Game Builder Garage
Kirby and the Forgotten Lands
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
New Super Mario Bros. U
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Scarlet
Pokémon Violet
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Odyssey
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
“The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of a game is a bundle that includes the original game and its upgrade pack, which enhances the game to take advantage of the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Available only for select games. Contents and enhancements of the upgrade pack vary by game. They can include visual improvements, new features, or additional game modes. Features and content of a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game can only be played on Nintendo Switch 2,” Nintendo says.
“If you already have the original Nintendo Switch game—as either a physical or digital version—you can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by purchasing the game’s upgrade pack from Nintendo eShop, My Nintendo Store, or retailers. After you upgrade, the original Nintendo Switch game can still be played on Nintendo Switch, though the features and content of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition can only be played on Nintendo Switch 2.”
Nintendo does clarify that some Upgrade Packs will be available at no extra charge. “Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members playing on Nintendo Switch 2 will soon gain access to upgrade packs for both the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom games, allowing them to enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games at no additional cost. Note: you must have either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch to use the respective upgrade pack.”
Are you excited to see these games receive next-generation upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025.
