In today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo confirmed that most of the Switch catalog will be compatible with the new console, with select titles receiving upgraded “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” versions. Notable games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, each featuring enhanced graphics, framerates, and new functionalities. For example, Breath of the Wild will benefit from improved resolution and a new app feature, while Kirby will introduce an exclusive story. Both physical and digital upgrades will be available, alongside new third-party titles like Civilization 7.
In today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo revealed that nearly the entire catalog of Nintendo Switch titles will be accessible on the Nintendo Switch 2. However, some fortunate games will receive upgraded “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” versions, complete with unique features. These titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Mario Party: Jamboree.
The enhancements for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games vary by title. The first game featured was Super Mario Party: Jamboree, which will introduce an upgrade called “Jamboree TV”. This upgrade includes mouse controls, voice recognition, “more expressive rumble”, and gameplay utilizing the new camera accessory.
Following this, we saw visuals of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both of which are receiving improved resolution and framerates along with HDR support. Additionally, they will benefit from a feature called Zelda Notes on the Nintendo Switch Online app, offering voice guidance for locating Shrines and Koroks, plus the ability to share your creations in Tears of the Kingdom through QR codes with friends.
Next up was Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which is set to introduce a new storyline exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 titled Star-Crossed World, along with enhanced graphics and framerates.
Furthermore, two new titles will also receive upgraded versions: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will offer mouse control capabilities and run at 4K 60fps with HDR, while Pokemon Legends: Z-A will feature improved resolution and framerates.
All these upgraded games will be available in both physical and digital formats. Additionally, select titles (Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Party, and Kirby) will offer upgrade packs for purchase, allowing players to upgrade if they already own the original game on the Switch.
Later in the presentation, we were introduced to a range of third-party titles receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions as well, including Civilization 7 (with mouse support!) and Street Fighter 6 (which will feature exclusive game modes for Switch 2).
Interest in “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” games has been building since last week when a webpage surfaced mentioning such releases in a small footnote related to the newly-announced Virtual Game Card system, indicating that these titles wouldn’t be transferable via Virtual Game Card to the original Nintendo Switch.
For a complete rundown of everything unveiled during the Nintendo Direct today, be sure to check here.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected].