It’s official. Nintendo has just confirmed that several existing Switch games are getting free updates to take advantage of the upcoming Switch 2 hardware. If you’ve already built a collection on the current system, this is excellent news, as your favourite games are about to look and play better, without costing you a cent. The updates begin rolling out on June 5, 2025, and cover a range of improvements: sharper visuals, smoother frame rates, support for HDR in select titles, and even new features like GameShare and GameChat. These upgrades are automatic and tied to the digital or physical versions you already own, so there’s nothing extra to buy.
Here’s a full breakdown of the confirmed games getting free enhancements:
ARMS
Nintendo’s unique motion-controlled fighter is coming back with style. The update will improve visuals, smooth out frame rates, and add HDR support to show off those colourful arenas.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Family quiz nights just got better. With GameShare support, up to four players can compete in Party Mode, and new GameChat integration makes it easy to play with friends online.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
This charming puzzle adventure gets a visual upgrade and support for two-player GameShare sessions. It’s a small update, but a meaningful one if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to revisit it.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Thirty-four of the included games will now support GameShare for up to four players, and GameChat brings a more social twist to game night. It’s a big win for fans of tabletop classics.
Game Builder Garage
For the creators out there, Game Builder Garage is getting optimized visuals and even support for a Joy-Con 2 mouse mode, making designing games a little easier and a lot more precise.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
No new features here, but the visuals are being sharpened for modern displays. It’s still the same great platformer, just looking a bit crisper.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
These two are getting long-awaited performance improvements, including better frame rates and enhanced visuals. It might not fix every issue, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
The hybrid Mario experience is getting a full suite of updates: better visuals, faster frame rates, and HDR support for the Bowser’s Fury section. Plus, GameShare support makes it easier to play with friends.
Super Mario Odyssey
Nintendo’s flagship platformer is back with a shine. Expect improved graphics, HDR, and two-player GameShare for co-op fans. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this is a great excuse to jump back in.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Zelda’s newest adventure is getting polished visuals and HDR support right out of the gate. If you’re planning to play on Switch 2, you’re in for a visual treat.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
This charming remake will also get an update with sharper graphics and HDR, making the toy-like art style look even more vibrant.
A Few Things to Know
These updates will all be free, but to use GameShare, you’ll need to start the session from a Nintendo Switch 2 system. Also, GameShare play only lasts while you’re in an active GameChat session. So it’s not a permanent share, but it’s a great way to let friends try a game before buying or just jump into multiplayer more easily.
Nintendo’s full list is available on their website right here, and it’s likely we’ll see more titles added over time. If you’ve already got these games in your collection, it’s one more reason to look forward to the Switch 2. The games you love are coming with you, and they’re getting better!
