10 Games That Need Switch 2 Upgrade Patches Next

Summary

Switch 2 confirmed for upgraded versions of popular games like Breath of the Wild & Pokemon Legends
Backwards compatibility assured for Switch 1 games on Switch 2, new content for paid upgrades suggested
Improvements like mouse controls, resolution, and framerate seen as vital for games like Mario Maker 2 on Switch 2

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is set to revitalize several classic Nintendo Switch games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. These titles, along with others in the list that follows, are expected to benefit significantly from the enhanced capabilities of Nintendo’s latest hardware. This includes higher resolution, smoother frame rates, support for High Dynamic Range (HDR), and potential mouse control integration. Given their popularity, existing performance issues on the original Switch, or compatibility with the new mouse controls, many games are likely to receive an upgrade pack for the Switch 2. Here are ten games that seem particularly promising in this regard, chosen for their high popularity, current performance struggles on the original Switch, or suitability for the Switch 2’s mouse control features:

1. Super Mario Odyssey
2. Splatoon 2
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
6. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
7. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
8. PokÃ©mon Sword and Shield
9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
10. Metroid Dread

In simpler terms, when the new Nintendo Switch version arrives, it should still play games from the original Switch, even if those specific games don’t receive any upgrades for the new console. Nonetheless, some games or applications may encounter compatibility problems with the new Switch 2 model.

1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Mario’s Most Recent Outing Deserves Sharper Visuals

The visually appealing version of Super Mario Bros. U looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switch, but as a cornerstone series for Nintendo platforms, there’s always potential for enhancement. Upgrading the game to 4K when in docking mode and boosting the frame rate to 120 Hz would significantly enhance both the visual appeal and smoothness of Mario’s platforming exploits. Additionally, incorporating High Dynamic Range (HDR) support appears to be a logical decision given the colorful and lively stages found within Super Mario Bros. U.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to see that some games are expanding their content when they get upgraded for the Switch 2. The prospect of exploring new worlds brimming with challenging levels in “Super Mario Bros. World” would certainly entice me to revisit it before any exclusive Mario title on the Switch 2 hits the shelves.

2. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Improved Framerate and Visuals for This Open-World Pokemon Game

In “Pokemon Legends: Arceus,” the series ventured into a new territory by exploring an open-world environment for the first time, deviating from the conventional format of the Pokemon series in terms of player interaction with wild Pokemon, storyline, and gameplay mechanics. However, this ambitious endeavor was marred by several technical issues such as uneven frame rates, frequent object pop-in, and lower-than-expected resolution. Moreover, the vast world lacked sufficient activities or content, possibly due to the limitations of the Nintendo Switch hardware, resulting in a game that showed promise but fell short of its potential.

Upgrading to Switch 2 will enable “Pokemon Legends: Arceus” to achieve its aspirations. Enhancing the frame rate and resolution will be the main focus, but adding HDR support to make the world more vibrant and populated with even more wild Pokemon could help tackle most of the performance issues the game faced when it first came out. As “Pokemon Legends: Z-A” is scheduled for release in October later, it seems appropriate that its predecessor receives an upgrade for players revisiting before jumping into the new version.

3. Super Mario Maker 2

Mouse Controls Would Make Super Mario Maker 2 Even More Magical

In simpler terms, Super Mario Maker 2 was like a heartfelt tribute to fans who love the classic style of Mario platform games. It featured more than 100 original levels designed to challenge players’ skills, but it also allowed aspiring game designers to create their own Mario levels with various obstacles, enemies, and items that they could place at will. These custom levels, created by users, could be shared online and downloaded by other players, providing a virtually endless stream of content for fans of platforming games.

Beyond minor enhancement in resolution, Super Mario Maker 2 seems to greatly advantage from mouse control functionality. Having the option to utilize a Joy-Con as a mouse for selecting various items and barriers before placing them would be significantly more user-friendly compared to touchscreen controls or analog sticks. Nintendo could potentially incorporate a special Super Mario Bros. Wonder theme, offering unique objects that were previously introduced into the game.

4. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

A Visual Overhaul for This Huge RPG

Instead of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, any (or all) of the Xenoblade Chronicles games available on the Nintendo Switch would have been just as satisfying for fans. The open-world RPG collection is renowned for its vast game world, delivering countless hours of immersive action-RPG play. However, the original 2017 system has often struggled to maintain high visual quality and smooth performance with these games.

An upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, or all titles in the series available on Switch, with a resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second, would likely satisfy most gamers. Additionally, there’s a glimmer of hope as Polygon reports that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has an unused 60 FPS mode in its code. Some fans speculate this could mean the game might receive an update for the Switch 2 to activate this feature once it launches. As for other games in the series, whether they’ll follow suit is yet to be determined.

5. Metroid Prime: Remastered

A Perfect Title for Mouse Controls

The game Metroid Prime: Remastered seems ideal for an upgrade on a potential Switch 2. Being a Nintendo-exclusive series, a new installment is coming out later this year, and its first-person shooter (FPS) style matches perfectly with the anticipated mouse controls of the Switch 2. Since Metroid Prime 4: Beyond also supports mouse control, it’s reasonable to anticipate that this could be a possibility. If Nintendo were to remaster Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for the Nintendo Switch 2, fans would expect enhancements in frame rates, resolutions, and mouse control support as well. However, no official word has been given about ports of these games within the franchise, but fans can certainly hope for it.

6. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

In Dire Need of a Framerate Boost

In a twist that blends “The Legend of Zelda” with the “Dynasty Warriors” series, the action-packed scenes from the latter are now set within the realm of Hyrule. Prepare for hordes of Moblins and Lizalfos to overrun your chosen character as you wade through the crowd, slashing left and right. However, this exciting gameplay comes with a significant flaw – “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” frequently struggles with maintaining a smooth frame rate, especially noticeable during split-screen co-op play.

Upgrading to Switch 2 with enhanced technical capabilities could potentially address the problem at hand. A touch more content would also motivate players to replay the game if they’ve already completed it, creating anticipation for potential new installments in the series, which may be secretly under development.

7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Improved Visuals and a Smoother Framerate for Packed Islands

Worldwide players found solace in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, making it a standout game during the pandemic period. As of March 31, 2025, it ranks as the second-highest selling game on the Nintendo Switch, with a staggering 47.82 million units sold. Boasting regular free updates and two paid downloadable content packs, the game has received significant backing from its creators. However, the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 opens up opportunities for new features that could lure players back to their virtual islands.

A higher resolution and improved frame rate would certainly be appreciated, especially when islands become densely covered with flowers, trees, and various decorations, causing a drop in frame rate. Players wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy their islands in higher definition. Given its popularity as one of Nintendo Switch’s best-selling games, it could potentially qualify for an upgrade pack for the rumored Switch 2.

Similar to games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, New Horizons might also receive a smartphone application. This would allow players to design items, send messages to friends, check their in-game mail, and quickly view their collections of bugs, fish, fossils, and paintings without having to load up the game itself.

8. The Witcher 3

Performance Parity with Other Systems

Back in 2015, when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was first released on PC, Xbox One, and PS4, it was one of the most visually impressive games of its time. However, when it came to Nintendo Switch, it didn’t quite live up to that visual standard. With CD Projekt Red planning to bring their more recent open-world game, Cyberpunk: 2077, to the Switch in the future, and having already released next-gen updates for The Witcher 3 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, there’s a chance that an upgrade for The Witcher 3 on Nintendo Switch 2 might be plausible.

Enhancing the frame rate significantly, boosting resolution and graphical clarity, expanding draw distances, and incorporating High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology for added realism, wouldn’t just make the game visually stunning on the Switch 2; it would also serve as a testament to the system’s capabilities, showcasing its potential.

9. Pikmin 4

A Great Candidate for Mouse Controls

In the span of a decade, Pikmin 4 marked the return of the main series in the franchise when it debuted on Nintendo Switch. It introduced fresh Pikmin varieties and the charming canine-like character, Oatchi. Although gameplay fundamentals remained consistent, with players directing their expanding team of Pikmin to navigate levels, overcome obstacles, battle alien lifeforms, solve puzzles, and rescue lost explorers, there are areas where a potential Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade could enhance the experience.

A potential enhancement could lie in the frame rate, as the game’s graphics are impressive, but the current 30 FPS can make the action appear jerky for today’s standards. The primary attraction of an upgraded Switch 2 might be the addition of mouse controls. Navigating the world with a click-and-point interface to command an army of Pikmin would be much more intuitive compared to traditional gamepad controls.

Enhancing the current content with extra features could significantly boost the appeal, especially if it involves a premium upgrade. For instance, including additional stages and a preview of a new kind of Pikmin might serve as an attractive bonus for dedicated fans, offering them something exciting to explore.

10. Splatoon 3

A Fresh Lick of Paint and Mouse Controls for Nintendo’s Inky Shooter

It’s possible that Nintendo’s popular shooter series designed for all ages will receive a new game on the Switch 2 at some unknown time in the future. However, until then, enhancing Splatoon 3 with significant quality-of-life updates would be quite welcome.

As a devoted fan, I’d prioritize mouse controls, higher resolution, and HDR support in my wishlist. The vivid colors would truly leap off a compatible display due to HDR, and the mouse controls seem tailor-made for this shooter experience. Introducing fresh weapons, maps, and game modes could lure players back to the nearly three-year-old title, but it’s possible that Nintendo might hold off on new content concepts for the upcoming sequel.

2025-06-04 13:07