Nintendo has clarified how its “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades will work, confirming that several first-party hits will receive paid upgrade packs while others will get free enhancements. The company also reiterated that some upgraded releases will be sold as standalone “Switch 2 Edition” versions, while existing owners can buy a separate upgrade to access the Switch 2-specific improvements.
### How Switch 2 Edition upgrades work
According to Nintendo, players who already own the Switch version of select games will be able to purchase an upgrade pack to unlock Switch 2 Edition features. The approach mirrors upgrade strategies seen across the industry—offering a cheaper path for existing owners while still enabling Nintendo to sell premium re-releases to newcomers.
On pricing, Nintendo says upgrade packs will generally sit in the $10–$20 range depending on the game and what’s included. Games that bundle more substantial additions—such as new content or larger expansions alongside technical upgrades—are positioned at the higher end of that bracket.
### Games confirmed for paid upgrade packs
Nintendo has singled out multiple titles for paid upgrades, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also in the paid-upgrade group, and Nintendo has framed that one as more than a simple performance patch—implying content additions alongside Switch 2 enhancements.
Other first-party games mentioned in the same orbit include Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which is set to launch with Switch 2-specific features as part of a Switch 2 Edition release. Nintendo’s messaging suggests it wants Switch 2 Editions to be a visible product line rather than a quiet set of patches.
### Why this matters
For players, the key takeaway is that Nintendo is drawing a firm line between free “improvements” and paid “editions,” and the difference will likely come down to whether new gameplay content is included or if the upgrade is primarily technical. For the market, it’s another sign Nintendo is leaning into cross-generation monetization—encouraging Switch owners to migrate to Switch 2 without abandoning their libraries, while still capturing revenue from upgrades and premium re-releases.
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