During today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo unveiled that nearly the entire catalog of Nintendo Switch games will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. However, a select group of titles are set to receive enhanced "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" versions, boasting unique features. This lineup includes fan-favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Mario Party: Jamboree.
Each of these upgraded games comes with its own set of enhancements. The showcase kicked off with Super Mario Party: Jamboree, which introduces "Jamboree TV" - an upgrade that includes mouse controls, audio recognition, "more expressive rumble", and innovative gameplay utilizing a new camera accessory.
Following this, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were highlighted, set to receive enhanced resolution, higher framerates, and HDR support. Additionally, these games will benefit from a new service on the Nintendo Switch Online app named Zelda Notes, which offers voice guidance for locating Shrines and Koroks, and the ability to share creations in Tears of the Kingdom via QR codes with friends.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is slated for a new story exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, dubbed Star-Crossed World, along with improved graphics and framerates.
New releases Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are also receiving upgraded versions. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will feature mouse control capabilities, 4K resolution at 60fps, and HDR, while Pokemon Legends: Z-A will offer enhanced resolution and framerates.
These upgraded games will be available in both physical and digital formats. Moreover, owners of the original versions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Party, and Kirby on the Switch can purchase upgrade packs to access the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Editions
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Later in the presentation, a variety of third-party titles were announced to receive Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, including Civilization 7 with mouse support and Street Fighter 6 with exclusive game modes.
The buzz around "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games started last week with a webpage that mentioned these enhancements in a footnote related to the newly-announced Virtual Game Card system, indicating that these upgraded games cannot be transferred to the original Nintendo Switch via Virtual Game Card.
For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find more details [ttpp].
