So you have a Nintendo Switch 2 and you want to play your original Switch games on it, but you're not sure how it exactly works?
Well, some of the information out there has made things a little confusing, so we're going to quickly walk you through what it is like playing Switch 1 titles on the Switch 2, and the different upgrade options.
Option 1: Playing Switch Games Without Upgrading
The first option for playing Switch 1 games on the Switch 2 is by simply starting them up without doing a thing! The Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the Switch 1, and not all games have received an actual Switch 2 upgrade. These games will work just as they always have, but with some enhanced performance due to the Switch 2 being a stronger console. This can also include faster loading times for some games, or solid framerates.
Option 2: Free Upgrades
A handful of Switch 1 games have received free upgrades for the Switch 2. Games that have received such patches like Pokemon Scarlet & Violet see upgrades to resolution, framerate, and general performance, and simply optimize the games for the new hardware. Pokemon's update allowed for distant textured objects to load in full detail, while also increasing how many objects could be displayed on screen at once. Such upgrades are a step above Option 1's backwards compatibility, but so far these upgrades are not as substantial as Option 3 and 4.
Option 3: Paid Upgrade
The paid upgrades are usually in the $10 range, and are full on Switch 2 versions of the game. This means the games will fully make use of Switch 2 features, and can possibly include enhanced framerate, higher quality textures, character models, upgraded lighting, more objects on screen, the ability to use the Switch 2's mouse controls, and more. These are games that received more than what a free update would provide, with the developers choosing to charge an additional fee for them. The digital and physical versions of the Switch 2 titles already include this additional fee in their pricing, so buyers will pay the same price even if they choose to just purchase the Switch 2 version to by-pass the upgrade process.
(Note: Currently The Legend of Zelda upgrades are free for those with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.)
Option 4: Paid Upgrade + Expansions
The final type of upgrade comes in the form of upgrades + expansion packs (or DLC). These are games that not only get upgraded to a Switch 2 release, but they also provide extra Switch 2 exclusive content. This can be in the form of new game modes, like in Mario Party, or entirely new story modes like in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. These upgrades cost more simply because they offer more than just an updated game.
Reminder: All Switch Games can be played without upgrading
Although there are three types of upgrades, Option 1 still works for all games. Even if a Switch 1 title offers an upgrade path, it isn't required to keep playing it on your Switch 2. The games will still see enhanced performance, but not to the extent of what an upgrade will offer. Free upgrades will be automatically applied when available of course, but it is technically possible to avoid the update if you really want to.
Either way, Switch 1 games work better on the Switch 2, and there are different levels of this based on the developer releases for their games. Also keep in mind that some Switch games have compatibility issues with the Switch 2, but developers are hard at work fixing any problems that may arise. If a game crashes you can choose to send a crash report to Nintendo to alert them of the issue.
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