Every Paid Switch 2 Upgrade: 49 Games Ranked by Value

Nintendo's Switch 2 is here, and while many games received free performance patches, 49 titles require a paid upgrade to unlock their full Switch 2 potential. Some cost just $1 while others ask for $20. Are they worth it? We broke down every single paid Switch 2 upgrade so you can decide where to spend your money.

How Switch 2 Upgrade Packs Work

When you own a Nintendo Switch game, many titles now offer an optional "Upgrade Pack" that enhances the game for Switch 2 hardware. These packs typically add higher resolution, improved frame rates, HDR support, faster load times, and sometimes entirely new content. Prices range from $0.99 to $19.99 depending on the scope of improvements.

Some upgrade packs are also available at no extra cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, most notably the Zelda titles. If you already pay for that service, check whether your upgrade is included before buying separately.

$19.99 Tier - Premium Upgrades With New Content

These are the most expensive upgrade packs, but they include significant new gameplay content alongside visual and performance enhancements.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder gets a substantial Switch 2 upgrade at the $19.99 price point. The upgrade brings enhanced visuals and new Switch 2-specific features that take advantage of the upgraded hardware. With a Metacritic score of 95, this is one of the highest-rated games on the list, and the upgrade adds real value to an already excellent platformer.

Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV

The Super Mario Party Jamboree upgrade pack costs $19.99 and includes the new Jamboree TV mode, plus support for the Switch 2's microphone, mouse control, and USB-C camera. The game runs at 1440p in TV mode and 1080p in handheld. The Switch 2 Edition bundles everything together for new buyers.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World

At $19.99, the Kirby and the Forgotten Land upgrade is one of the most content-rich offerings. It includes the "Star-Crossed World" expansion with new story content and gameplay, alongside visual enhancements. The Switch 2 Edition bundles the base game with this new content.

$9.99 Tier - The Sweet Spot

These upgrades focus on visual and performance improvements, sometimes with quality-of-life additions. At $10, they represent the most common price point for meaningful Switch 2 enhancements.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild receives improved frame rate and resolution, HDR support, faster loading, and access to the new Zelda Notes app for $9.99. Its DLC expansions - The Champions' Ballad and The Master Trials - are also included in the paid upgrade ecosystem. Free for NSO + Expansion Pack members.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom gets the same treatment: improved resolution, better frame rates, HDR, reduced load times, and the Zelda Notes app. The Switch 2 Edition scores a perfect 100 on Metacritic, making this arguably the most worthwhile $9.99 upgrade on the list. Also free for NSO + Expansion Pack subscribers.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond receives Switch 2 enhancements for $9.99. Given the game's focus on atmospheric exploration and detailed environments, the resolution and performance upgrades make a noticeable difference.

Overcooked! 2

Overcooked! 2 gets a Switch 2 upgrade at $9.99. The co-op kitchen chaos game benefits from smoother performance, especially during hectic multiplayer sessions.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Hello Kitty Island Adventure costs $9.99 to upgrade, bringing visual improvements to this charming life-sim adventure.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII

Civilization VII receives Switch 2 enhancements for $9.99. Strategy games with complex maps and many units benefit significantly from better hardware, and this upgrade delivers sharper visuals and smoother turn processing.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon Legends: Z-A gets a $9.99 Switch 2 upgrade. The open-world Pokemon game sees improvements in draw distance and frame stability that enhance exploration.

$10 Tier - Third-Party and Specialty Upgrades

Several third-party games offer paid upgrades at the $10 mark, often bundled with additional content or significant enhancements.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds costs $10 to upgrade, bringing faster rendering and smoother visuals to this racing title (88 on Metacritic).

Rune Factory 4 Special

Rune Factory 4 Special gets enhanced for $10 on Switch 2, bringing visual and performance improvements to this beloved farming RPG (87 on Metacritic).

Rune Factory 5

Rune Factory 5 was one of the Switch games that struggled most with performance, so a $10 Switch 2 upgrade could significantly improve the farming-RPG experience.

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town costs $10 to upgrade. The farming sim had some performance issues on the original Switch, so better hardware should help smooth things out.

Tamagotchi Plaza

The Tamagotchi Plaza Switch 2 Edition upgrade costs $10. While the game has the lowest Metacritic score on this list at 49, fans of the virtual pet franchise may still find value in the upgraded visuals.

$4.99 Tier - Budget-Friendly Boosts

These upgrades provide meaningful enhancements at a lower price point. Good value for games you still play regularly.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition upgrade costs just $4.99, making it one of the most affordable first-party upgrades. The Happy Home Paradise DLC also benefits from the enhanced performance. For a game many players still return to daily, this is a great deal.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition receives Switch 2 enhancements for $4.99. The massive open world of Mira looks noticeably better with improved resolution and draw distance.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged costs $4.99 to upgrade. The classic adventure game receives visual polish for Switch 2.

$2.99 Tier - Affordable Upgrades

Braid: Anniversary Edition

Braid: Anniversary Edition gets a Switch 2 upgrade for just $2.99. With a Metacritic score of 90, this is one of the best value propositions on the list. Jonathan Blow's time-manipulation puzzle platformer benefits from cleaner rendering of its hand-painted art style.

$1.00 Tier - Pocket Change Upgrades

These upgrades are practically free. If you own any of these games, there is no reason not to upgrade.

The Exit 8

The Exit 8 costs just $1.00 to upgrade. This atmospheric first-person puzzle game about spotting anomalies in a Japanese subway station looks sharper than ever on Switch 2. At 93 on Metacritic, this is a steal.

Major Third-Party Titles

These well-known third-party games all require paid upgrades. Exact pricing varies by publisher and region - check the eShop for current prices.

Hades

Hades from Supergiant Games is one of the highest-rated games on this list with a 94 Metacritic score. The roguelike action game benefits from smoother frame rates during its chaotic combat sequences.

Hades II

Hades II continues the family saga with equally demanding visuals. At 93 on Metacritic, the sequel delivers another premium experience that looks even better on Switch 2 hardware.

Dave the Diver

Dave the Diver blends deep-sea diving with sushi restaurant management. At 93 on Metacritic, this indie hit gets visual enhancements that make its underwater world pop on Switch 2.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight from Team Cherry receives Switch 2 enhancements. The beloved Metroidvania with its hand-drawn art style looks stunning with higher resolution output.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel, also gets a paid Switch 2 upgrade alongside its sibling. With a 90 Metacritic score, this is another strong contender.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley has a paid Switch 2 upgrade. While the pixel-art farming sim is not the most visually demanding game, Switch 2 improvements like faster load times and smoother scrolling are welcome quality-of-life upgrades.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Civilization VI also requires a paid upgrade, separate from its sequel. Strategy fans running late-game maps with many civilizations will appreciate the Switch 2's extra processing power.

Factorio

Factorio is a factory-building game that can bring any hardware to its knees with massive production chains. A Switch 2 upgrade helps maintain performance as your factory grows.

Core Keeper

Core Keeper is a mining and crafting game that benefits from Switch 2 hardware. Better frame rates during multiplayer sessions and in large excavated areas make this upgrade worthwhile.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus was one of the Switch games most in need of better hardware. The open-world Pokemon adventure had noticeable pop-in and frame drops that Switch 2 enhancements should address. At 85 on Metacritic, this is a solid game that deserves to run better.

Subnautica

Subnautica is an underwater survival game that always pushed the Switch hardware hard. Better draw distance and smoother frame rates significantly improve the deep-sea exploration experience.

Subnautica: Below Zero

Subnautica: Below Zero benefits from the same type of improvements as the original. Both games are well worth upgrading if you plan to dive back in.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a Musou-style action game with massive battles on screen. Switch 2 hardware helps maintain frame rates during the most chaotic fights.

Indie and Smaller Titles

The remaining paid upgrades cover a range of indie games and smaller releases with varying price points.

Minishoot' Adventures

Minishoot' Adventures is a hidden gem with a remarkable 95 Metacritic score. This twin-stick shooter Metroidvania hybrid gets Switch 2 enhancements that let its vibrant world shine.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is an atmospheric puzzle game from Simogo with a striking monochrome art style. At 89 on Metacritic, the Switch 2 upgrade enhances its unique visual presentation.

Dispatch

Dispatch receives a paid Switch 2 upgrade, bringing improved performance to this well-reviewed title (85 on Metacritic).

Sayonara Wild Hearts

Sayonara Wild Hearts is a rhythm-action game with stylish visuals that look even better at higher resolution on Switch 2.

Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse

Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse gets a paid Switch 2 upgrade alongside its predecessor's remaster.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate

TMNT: Splintered Fate is a roguelike action game that gets Switch 2 enhancements for smoother co-op gameplay.

Cozy Grove

Cozy Grove is a cozy life-sim about camping on a haunted island. The Switch 2 upgrade brings visual improvements to its charming hand-drawn art style.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Disney Dreamlight Valley is a life-sim featuring Disney and Pixar characters. Switch 2 enhancements improve performance in the village, which can get crowded with characters and decorations.

Team Sonic Racing

Team Sonic Racing receives a paid upgrade, bringing smoother racing at higher resolutions. Competitive racing games benefit greatly from stable frame rates.

Super Bomberman R

Super Bomberman R was a Switch launch title. Its paid Switch 2 upgrade brings this classic multiplayer game up to modern standards with better visuals and performance.

The Verdict: Which Upgrades Are Worth It?

Best Value Picks

• The Exit 8 ($1.00) - A dollar for a sharper version of a 93-rated game is an obvious yes.
• Braid: Anniversary Edition ($2.99) - Under three dollars for a 90-rated classic.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons ($4.99) - If you still play daily, five dollars is nothing.
• Zelda: BotW and TotK ($9.99 each) - Essential upgrades, and free if you have NSO + Expansion Pack.

Worth It If You Love the Game

• Kirby + Star-Crossed World ($19.99) - New story content justifies the premium price.
• Super Mario Party Jamboree ($19.99) - Jamboree TV mode adds real replay value.
• Metroid Prime 4 ($9.99) - A visual showcase for Switch 2.
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder ($19.99) - One of the best platformers on the system, even better on Switch 2.

Wait for a Sale

• Tamagotchi Plaza ($10) - Hard to justify at $10 for a 49-rated game.
• Super Bomberman R - A dated launch title that may not be worth revisiting.
• Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town - The weakest entry in the series at 70 on Metacritic.

Key Takeaway

Out of 49 games with paid Switch 2 upgrades, the value varies wildly. The $1-$5 tier is an easy recommendation for any game you own. The $9.99 tier is worthwhile for games you actively play or plan to replay. The $19.99 tier is only justified when substantial new content is included. If you are an NSO + Expansion Pack subscriber, grab the free Zelda upgrades immediately - they transform two of the best games ever made.

Check each game's page on SwitchDB for community compatibility reports and performance details to help you decide which upgrades are right for your library.