• [Dailystar Icon]
• Tech
• Gaming
• Nintendo Switch

Nintendo reveals free Switch 2 upgrades for your games and it's huge news for Pokemon fans

Looking to play some of your Switch 1 games on Nintendo's new console? Then you'll be pleased to know that 12 games will get free updates, including Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

[Nintendo Switch 2 controller]

Switch 2 is just weeks away(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World are 20 days away, meaning in three weeks we'll (hopefully) have one in our hands.

While reports have suggested outlets like ours won't be able to offer detailed reviews before launch, one of the things we're most excited for (other than our dream Switch 2 ports) is playing Switch 1 games at higher resolution and with a smoother frame rate.

Thankfully, while some games will require paid updates, Nintendo has promised free patches for some of our favourite Switch titles. Now, as we approach launch, the company has finally revealed what we can expect from each, and it's likely to be big news for anyone looking to pick up Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Switch 2 free game upgrades revealed

[Scarlet and Violet starter Pokemon]

Scarlet and Violet disappointed at launch because of performance issues(Image: The Pokemon Company)

Twelve games will see free improvements released via downloadable patches.

"By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and performing a system update, you can download free updates for selected games that may improve graphics or add support for features such as GameShare," Nintendo explains.

"The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game."

Thankfully, the company has revealed what we can expect from each. While some games will gain HDR support or the option to share experiences with other players locally via GameShare, some are getting improved resolution and frame rates.

These include ARMS, Super Mario 3D World + Bowsers Fury, and, perhaps most significantly, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Both games launched in pretty rough shape, clearly butting up against the limitations of the first Switch hardware, but the idea of it performing better could mean it's almost like a new gamenot bad for a free update.

We've put the full list of updates Nintendo has confirmed below.

ARMS

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: optimised for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with three or more players)
• HDR support

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain

GameShare support:

• Up to four people can play in Party Mode.
• Share locally or share online via GameChat.

[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is cute, but surprisingly challenging]

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is cute, but surprisingly challenging(Image: Nintendo)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

• Visuals: Optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

GameShare support:

• Two people can play all of the courses.
• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

GameShare support:

• Up to four people can play 34 games
• Share locally or share online via GameChat

Game Builder Garage

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls

New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality

Pokmon Scarlet & Pokmon Violet

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2

Super Mario 3D World + Bowsers Fury

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• Frame rate: improved for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowsers Fury)
• HDR support

GameShare compatibility:

• Up to four people can play Super Mario 3D World. In Bowsers Fury, two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr. Share locally or share online via GameChat

[Super Mario Odyssey]

It's high time we got another 3D Mario title

Super Mario Odyssey

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

GameShare support:

• Two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.
• Share locally or share online via GameChat.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening

• Visuals: optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality
• HDR support

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.