Nintendo is giving several of its first-party Nintendo Switch games free updates to take advantage of Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware. Starting June 5, 2025, you’ll be able to download updates that improve visuals, boost frame rates, and even unlock new multiplayer options through GameShare and GameChat. If you already own any of these games, you won’t need to buy anything or pay an upgrade fee.
These aren’t full re-releases or paid editions. They’re free patches that take advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware. Visuals are sharper, gameplay is smoother, and some titles support HDR when connected to a compatible display. A few even support new features tied to the Joy-Con 2.
It’s important to note that these free upgrades are different from the “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” versions Nintendo is also releasing. Those are paid bundles or upgrade packs that include exclusive features like new modes and expanded functionality. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds a new Jamboree TV mode, mouse and camera support, and other extras that aren’t included in the free update.
In contrast, the 12 free upgrades covered here focus purely on improving performance, visuals, and co-op support without changing the core content. Below, you’ll find the full list of first-party games getting updated, along with what’s included for each one.
What is GameShare and GameChat?
GameShare is a new feature for Nintendo Switch 2 that lets you share supported games with others, locally or online, even if they don’t own the game. You can host a session on your Nintendo Switch 2. And, others can join in through a local connection or online using GameChat. Only Nintendo Switch 2 consoles can host a GameShare session. But, both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems can join locally.
GameChat is built-in voice chat for Nintendo Switch 2. It works automatically with supported games when you’re connected online, making it easy to talk with friends during co-op or GameShare sessions, no extra apps or devices needed.
ARMS
Update available: June 5, 2025
ARMS is getting a noticeable boost on Nintendo Switch 2. The visuals have been cleaned up for the sharper display and high-res TVs, so everything looks crisper, from stretchy punches to flashy arenas.
The frame rate has been smoothed out too, especially during three- or four-player matches. If you remember how chaotic things could get with multiple fighters, this update should make everything feel a lot more responsive.
It also supports HDR now, as long as you’re playing in TV mode with a compatible screen. There’s no new content, but this is a solid refresh if you’ve been thinking about jumping back in.
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Update available: June 5, 2025
This one’s all about multiplayer. With the new update, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain now supports GameShare, which means up to four people can jump into Party Mode, even if only one of you owns the game.
You can connect locally or online through GameChat, making it easier to challenge friends whether you’re in the same room or not. It’s a small update, but it makes the game much more social, especially if you’re playing with kids or family.
No visual or performance upgrades here, but the added multiplayer flexibility is a welcome touch.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Update available: June 5, 2025
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker gets a pretty nice visual upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2. The image quality looks sharper on both the handheld screen and high-res TVs, and HDR support has been added if you’re playing in TV mode.
This update also brings GameShare support. You can now play every course in two-player co-op, whether you’re sitting side by side or playing online using GameChat. It’s a great excuse to revisit the game’s puzzles with a friend.
There’s no new content added, but the update makes the co-op experience smoother and easier to access.
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
Update available: June 5, 2025
The update for Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics focuses entirely on GameShare. You can now play 34 of the included games with up to four people, even if only one person owns the full version.
Local play works as expected, but you can also connect online using GameChat, which makes it easy to set up quick rounds with friends and family. There are no visual or performance improvements here, but the added flexibility is a nice bonus for a game built around social play.
If you’ve been using the guest pass feature before, this makes sharing even easier.
Game Builder Garage
Update available: June 5, 2025
Game Builder Garage gets a couple of small but helpful upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2. The visuals have been improved to look cleaner on the system’s display and high-res TVs, which makes everything a bit easier to read, especially when working on more detailed projects.
The update also adds support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. That means you can now move the pointer with more precision, which should make dragging and placing objects feel less clunky.
If you’ve spent time building games in this one, the new controls alone are a nice quality-of-life improvement.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Update available: June 5, 2025
This update keeps things simple. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe now looks sharper on Nintendo Switch 2, with improved visuals for both handheld and TV play. It’s not a huge overhaul, but the cleaner image quality helps make the colourful levels pop a little more.
There aren’t any new features or multiplayer changes, but if you’re replaying the game or picking it up for the first time, it’ll look better than ever on the new hardware.
Pokémon Scarlet
Update available: June 5, 2025
Pokémon Scarlet gets a couple of technical boosts on Nintendo Switch 2. The visuals have been cleaned up for sharper output on handheld and TV screens, and the frame rate has been improved to make the game run more smoothly overall.
While this doesn’t fix every issue from launch, the better performance should help make open-world exploration and battles feel more stable, especially during busier moments. If you’ve been holding off for performance reasons, this update might make a return trip more appealing.
Pokémon Violet
Update available: June 5, 2025
Just like Scarlet, Pokémon Violet benefits from improved visuals and a smoother frame rate on Nintendo Switch 2. You’ll notice cleaner image quality when roaming the world, and performance should feel more consistent during battles and exploration.
It’s not a full rework, but it does help the game run more comfortably on the new system. If you’ve already sunk a lot of time into Violet, this update should make revisiting it a bit easier on the eyes.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Update available: June 5, 2025
This is one of the most feature-packed updates on the list. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury now runs with sharper visuals and improved frame rate across both modes. If you’re playing on a compatible TV, Bowser’s Fury also gets HDR support for better contrast and colour.
GameShare support is included too. In 3D World, up to four people can play together using one copy of the game. In Bowser’s Fury, two people can team up, one controlling Mario, the other as Bowser Jr. You can play locally or online through GameChat.
If you’ve never tried the co-op modes before, this update makes it easier than ever to jump in with a friend.
Super Mario Odyssey
Update available: June 5, 2025
Super Mario Odyssey gets a clean visual upgrade on Nintendo Switch 2, with improved image quality for both handheld and docked play. HDR support has also been added if you’re playing on a compatible TV, which gives the game’s colourful worlds an extra bit of polish.
The update also enables GameShare. Two people can play together using just one copy of the game, one player controls Mario, while the other takes control of Cappy. You can link up locally or online through GameChat.
It’s the same great game, but now with a little more flexibility and visual shine.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Update available: June 5, 2025
Echoes of Wisdom gets a visual tune-up on Nintendo Switch 2. The update improves image clarity for both handheld play and high-resolution TVs. If you’re using a compatible display, HDR support is also included.
There aren’t any new gameplay features or performance upgrades listed, but the cleaner visuals help the game’s top-down style stand out more clearly, especially during busier scenes or darker areas.
It’s a small bump, but it brings the newest Zelda entry more in line with what the new system can offer.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Update available: June 5, 2025
This remake of Link’s Awakening already had a distinct look, and the Nintendo Switch 2 update helps sharpen it even more. Visuals have been improved across handheld and TV play, and HDR support has been added for those using a compatible screen.
There aren’t any gameplay or performance changes, but the upgraded image quality makes the game’s toy-like art style stand out more cleanly. If you haven’t played it in a while, this is a good time to revisit Koholint Island.
Why These Updates Matter
These free updates give some of Nintendo’s best first-party Switch games a second wind on the Nintendo Switch 2. While they don’t include new content, the visual upgrades, smoother performance, and GameShare support make a big difference, especially if you’re replaying old favourites or trying them for the first time.
They’re also a nice contrast to the paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition releases, which bundle in extra modes and features but require a separate purchase or upgrade pack. With these free updates, if you already own the game, you’re good to go. Just connect your Nintendo Switch 2, grab the update, and start playing.
These upgrades make the transition to the new system feel smoother without asking for more money. If you’re also looking to travel with your system, don’t miss our breakdown of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories that make portable play even better.
If you’re wondering where to start, these three updates offer the biggest impact:
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury: The most complete package, with visual improvements, frame rate boosts, HDR, and full GameShare support.
ARMS: Now runs smoother than ever, with cleaned-up visuals, better frame rate even in multiplayer, and added HDR support.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Frame rate fixes and improved visuals help stabilize two of the Switch’s most performance-challenged titles.
Which of these games are you planning to try first?
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