Nintendo has unveiled plans to provide free visual upgrades for 11 of its popular Switch games when played on the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console. The announcement, made as part of Nintendo’s strategic hardware transition, promises enhanced gaming experiences through improved resolution and frame rates, marking a significant development for the gaming community.
The initiative encompasses several beloved titles from Nintendo’s gaming portfolio, including ARMS, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These games will receive substantial visual enhancements, featuring HDR support and optimised graphics specifically designed to leverage the Switch 2’s advanced display capabilities and compatibility with high-resolution televisions.
Leading the enhancement programme, ARMS will receive comprehensive visual optimisation for the Switch 2 display, incorporating improved frame rates and HDR support to deliver smoother gameplay, particularly beneficial during multiplayer sessions. Similarly, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain will introduce expanded multiplayer capabilities through GameShare functionality, enabling up to four players to engage in Party Mode across both local and online platforms via GameChat.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to multiplayer gaming improvements, receiving both visual enhancements and expanded GameShare capabilities. The update will allow two players to explore all courses together, representing a significant upgrade to the game’s cooperative elements.
Perhaps most notably, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which previously faced technical challenges, will benefit from enhanced frame rates and optimised visuals. These improvements directly address earlier performance issues, promising a more stable and visually refined gaming experience for players.
The timing of these updates coincides with the Switch 2’s launch window, with availability scheduled for 5 June 2025. This strategic release ensures that existing Switch owners transitioning to the new console will immediately access these enhanced versions without additional cost, reflecting Nintendo’s user-centric approach to hardware evolution.
The broader implications of these upgrades extend beyond mere technical improvements. They represent Nintendo’s dedication to preserving and enhancing its gaming library whilst transitioning to new hardware. This approach not only protects consumer investments in existing games but also demonstrates the company’s commitment to long-term software support.
These enhancements showcase the Switch 2’s superior technical capabilities whilst maintaining Nintendo’s tradition of prioritising player experience over pure technological advancement. The initiative ensures that both new and existing Nintendo enthusiasts can enjoy enhanced versions of their favourite games, establishing a strong foundation for the Switch 2’s market position.
News Source: Kotaku
