All the games with enhancements on Nintendo Switch 2: what they include and how to activate them

 

Nintendo Switch 2 is defined as a continuation of all the work done by the Japanese company with Nintendo Switch, so the new system facilitates the transition from one console to another. Beyond offering a simple process for transferring data from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2, there are many options to try to get the most out of the brand's new system. In this sense, some compatibility with accessories and functions of the first console has been offered, in addition to games that include improvements.

In this regard, Nintendo has released free updates to improve performance through backwards compatibility on the Nintendo Switch 2. This way, all those who enjoy these titles on the Japanese company's new system can benefit from these additions without having to pay anything extra. These are the exclusive Nintendo games that feature these improvements.

1. Super Mario Odyssey
2. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Purple
3. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
4. 51 Worldwide Games
5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
6. ARMS
7. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
8. Game Builder Garage
9. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
10. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
11. Big Brain Academy: Battle of Wits

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform game for Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, where Mario, accompanied by Cappy, a magic hat, embarks on a global adventure to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's wedding plans . With innovative gameplay, the game combines open-world exploration, such as the vibrant New Donk City, with capture mechanics that allow Mario to control enemies and objects. Its design celebrates 30 years of the saga with nostalgic nods, a captivating soundtrack, and precise controls. It stands out for its creativity, variety of kingdoms, and an endgame full of challenges, ideal for players of all levels. It is considered a masterpiece for its fun, replayability, and freshness, consolidating itself as one of the best titles on the Switch.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Enhanced Graphics: Higher resolution and optimized for the Switch 2 display and HDTVs.
• HDR Support: More vibrant colors and better contrast on compatible displays.
• Optimized frame rate: Smoother movements with better frame rate.
• GameShare and GameChat: Local and online co-op mode, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Purple

Pokémon Scarlet and Purple, released in 2022 for Nintendo Switch, are open-world RPGs set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula . Players explore varied landscapes, capture Pokémon, and battle Gym Leaders to become Champions, while completing Treasure Hunts in either the Orange (Scarlet) or Grape (Purple) Academy. The games feature the TeraCrystal phenomenon, which transforms Pokémon and grants unique abilities. Despite their rich lore and new Pokémon, they received criticism for technical issues such as frame rate drops and visual glitches. The expansions, The Turquoise Mask and The Indigo Disc, added new areas. They are praised for their ambitious design, but criticized for their performance, something that has been improved on Nintendo Switch 2.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• Frame Rate: Improved for smooth motion, targeting 60 FPS, addressing performance issues.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, released in 2024 for Nintendo Switch, is a top-down action-adventure game starring Zelda . Set in Hyrule, Zelda uses the Scepter of Tri to create "echoes" of objects and enemies, solving puzzles and battling to rescue Link from mysterious rifts. It combines classic Zelda gameplay with innovative mechanics and a vibrant art style similar to Link's Awakening. Players explore diverse regions and dungeons. While praised for its creativity and Zelda's starring role, it suffered from minor performance issues on the original Switch. It's a fresh and engaging entry in the series.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• HDR Support: Improved contrast and brightness (requires compatible display in TV mode).
• Echo Management: Display only favorite echoes after learning 30 or more.

51 Worldwide Games

Released in 2020 for Nintendo Switch, it brings together 51 classic board, card, and parlor games from around the world, including chess, checkers, mahjong, and hanafuda. It offers single-player, local, and online multiplayer modes, with intuitive controls and accessible tutorials. Its variety makes it ideal for all ages, with quick matches or long sessions. While visually simple, its charming presentation and online play make it perfect for social gatherings. It's praised for its diversity, but some games are less engaging. Its replayability makes it a solid title.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• GameShare: Up to four players in 34 games, shareable locally or online with GameChat (requires Nintendo Switch Online after March 31, 2026).

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, is an enhanced version of the 2013 Wii U game with an open-world expansion, Bowser's Fury . In 3D World, up to four players control Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad in linear levels with power-ups like the Cat Suit. Bowser's Fury offers a dynamic adventure where Mario and Bowser Jr. face off against a giant Bowser. With vibrant graphics and tight controls, it's ideal for multiplayer, although Bowser's Fury in handheld mode runs at 30 FPS on the original Switch. It's praised for its variety, but criticized for minor performance issues.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• Frame Rate: Enhanced for smooth motion, targeting 60 FPS in handheld mode.
• HDR Support: Improved contrast and brightness in Bowser's Fury (compatible display).
• GameShare: Up to four players in 3D World; two in Bowser's Fury (Mario and Bowser Jr.), shareable locally or via GameChat.

ARMS

ARMS, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, is a fighting game that combines boxing with extendable arms. Players control characters such as Spring Man or Ribbon Girl, customizing arms with unique abilities . It offers motion controls, traditional inputs, and modes like Versus, Grand Prix, and online Party Match. Set in colorful arenas, ARMS emphasizes strategy and reflexes, with an expanded cast via free updates. While innovative, its depth and replayability are debated, making it more appealing to casual players. Its art style and accessibility make it unique, but less enduring than other Nintendo titles.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• Frame Rate: Improved for smoother, more responsive motion.
• HDR Support: Improved contrast and brightness (requires compatible display).

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, the 2019 Nintendo Switch remake of the 1993 Game Boy classic, is a top-down adventure where Link explores Koholint Island to awaken the Wind Fish . Featuring a charming toy-like art style, players solve puzzles, explore dungeons, and battle enemies. The remake features a Dungeon Creator mode and quality of life improvements, but retains the original's compact and emotional story. While praised for its nostalgia and visuals, it drew criticism for frame rate drops in crowded areas. It's a beloved title for its simplicity and emotional depth.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• HDR Support: Improved contrast and brightness (requires compatible display).

Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage, released in 2021 for Nintendo Switch, is an educational game that teaches video game creation using visual programming . Guided by interactive lessons, players use "Nodon" to program mechanics like movement, collisions, and visuals, creating everything from simple platforming to complex projects. It allows for online sharing and local co-op for collaborative design. Its intuitive interface encourages creativity, though advanced projects require patience. It's ideal for aspiring developers, but its appeal is niche and lacks deeper programming options.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• Mouse Controls: Support for mouse controls with Joy-Con 2, improving precision in creation.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, released in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch, is a port of the 2012 Wii U game, a 2D platformer featuring Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the new Nabbit and Toadette . Players travel through the Mushroom Kingdom across 164 levels, with modes like New Super Luigi U offering faster-paced challenges. It supports up to four players and offers power-ups like the Super Acorn. While praised for its polished mechanics and multiplayer fun, it's criticized for its lack of innovation. Its accessibility makes it ideal for families.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• Frame Rate: Improved for smooth movement, optimizing multiplayer.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, the 2018 Nintendo Switch port of the 2014 Wii U game, is a puzzle platformer starring Captain Toad and Toadette . Players navigate compact diorama-like levels to collect Power Stars, solving puzzles and avoiding enemies. Featuring a charming visual style, it features two-player co-op and levels inspired by Super Mario Odyssey. Despite its short length and simple mechanics, it is praised for its creativity and accessibility, with stable performance on the original Switch.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• Graphics: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• HDR Support: Improved contrast and brightness (requires compatible display).
• Mouse Controls: Support for mouse controls with Joy-Con 2 for precise navigation.
• GameShare: Two players at all levels, shareable locally or via GameChat.

Big Brain Academy: Battle of Wits

Big Brain Academy: Brain Teaser, released in 2021 for Nintendo Switch, is a multiplayer puzzle game that tests cognitive skills . Players compete in fast-paced, colorful mini-games across five categories (Identify, Memorize, Analyze, Calculate, Visualize), with single-player, local, and online modes. It supports up to four players, with adjustable difficulty and charming visuals. While not graphically demanding, it is praised for its quick challenges, but criticized for its limited content compared to previous installments. It is ideal for short, competitive sessions, but lacks long-term depth.

Improvements in Nintendo Switch 2

• GameShare: Up to four players in Party Mode, shareable locally or online with GameChat (requires Nintendo Switch Online after March 31, 2026).

These are the games that are initially available on Nintendo Switch 2 with substantial improvements on the new Nintendo console . The company itself has revealed that the list will grow as the months go by , so we'll keep this article updated as improvement patches are released for all these games. All you need to enjoy them is to have the original version of the title on Nintendo Switch and download the latest title update.