Photo by Kamil Switalski on Unsplash
Every Free Switch 2 Upgrade You Can Get Right Now
A complete list of every Nintendo Switch game with a free Switch 2 patch or upgrade. Better visuals, higher FPS, and HDR - all at no cost.
Photo by Kamil Switalski on Unsplash
One of the best things about upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 is that many of your existing games get better for free. No extra purchase, no upgrade packs - just download a patch and enjoy sharper visuals, smoother frame rates, and HDR support. We have compiled the full list of every game that has received a free Switch 2 upgrade so far, organized by publisher.
Nintendo First-Party Titles
Nintendo has been leading the charge with free Switch 2 patches for many of their biggest games. These updates typically bring resolution bumps, improved frame rates, and HDR support.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey received one of the most impressive free updates, with higher resolution output and smoother performance across the board. The game looks stunning on the Switch 2 display.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury runs better than ever with its free Switch 2 patch. Bowser's Fury in particular benefits from the upgraded hardware with improved visual fidelity.
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy gets a free update that improves visuals and adds support for the Joy-Con 2 mouse feature, making pointer controls more precise than ever.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe also gets the free upgrade treatment with enhanced visuals on the Switch 2.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom receives a free Switch 2 patch with resolution bumps up to roughly 1620p and HDR support for improved contrast and brightness.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was notorious for frame rate drops on the original Switch. The free Switch 2 update dramatically improves the frame rate, bumps resolution to roughly 1620p, and adds HDR support. One of the most transformative free upgrades on this list.
Splatoon 3
Splatoon 3 gets more than just a visual upgrade. The free Switch 2 patch improves resolution and frame rate, and the version 10.0.0 update also adds new gear and a new stat in ranked Anarchy Battles called Series Weapon Power.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD receives a free visual upgrade for the Switch 2, making this already polished platformer look even better.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons received a free version 3.0 update in January 2026 that optimizes visuals on the Switch 2 display. Note: the full Switch 2 Edition with 4K support is a separate paid upgrade, but the free patch still makes a noticeable difference for returning players.
Arms
Arms gets a free Switch 2 performance patch, bringing new life to Nintendo's motion-controlled fighting game.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and its Special Episode DLC both receive free Switch 2 patches with visual improvements.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Special Episode
Nintendo EAD Tokyo Software Development Group No.1
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics gets a free Switch 2 update. A great collection to have on the upgraded hardware.
Pokemon Titles
Both Generation IX Pokemon games have received free Switch 2 patches, which is especially welcome given their well-documented performance issues on the original Switch.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet both receive free Switch 2 updates with improved frame rates and resolution. If you own the Double Pack, both games are covered. This is arguably the most impactful free upgrade on the list, as these games struggled significantly on original Switch hardware.
Third-Party Titles
It is not just Nintendo - several third-party publishers have stepped up with free Switch 2 enhancements for their games.
Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption received a free Switch 2 upgrade in December 2025. The update brings 60fps gameplay, 4K visuals, HDR support, and DLSS. Rockstar made this upgrade free for all existing Switch owners, and you can even carry over your save data from the original Switch.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky gets a free Switch 2 upgrade, continuing Hello Games' tradition of generous post-launch support. If you own the Nintendo Switch Edition, you are covered as well.
High on Life
High on Life from Squanch Games receives a free Switch 2 Edition upgrade with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, improved VFX and texture quality, higher frame rate, and up to 1080p resolution at 30fps when docked.
How to Get These Free Upgrades
Getting these free upgrades is straightforward:
- Make sure your Nintendo Switch 2 is connected to the internet
- Perform a system update if prompted
- Insert or download the game - the patch will download automatically
- For some titles (like Red Dead Redemption), you may need to search the eShop for a separate free upgrade pack
What About Paid Upgrades?
This list only covers completely free upgrades. Many other games offer paid "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades (typically around $10) with more extensive enhancements. Check out our games with paid Switch 2 upgrades for those titles.
We will keep updating this list as more free Switch 2 patches are announced. Bookmark this page and check back regularly.
