Nintendo Switch Games That Need Switch 2 Upgrade Packs

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Nintendo will be providing both paid and complimentary upgrades for select original Nintendo Switch games through the Nintendo Switch 2 platform. While a limited number of these games have been officially confirmed, many other titles that could potentially benefit from an upgrade on the Nintendo Switch 2 are yet to be disclosed.

The Switch 2 Upgrade Packs collection encompasses games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is set to receive both significant technical enhancements and additional features. Additionally, games like Super Mario Odyssey are slated for free upgrades, although specifics about the improvements are still undisclosed.

Some Nintendo Switch games require free updates because their graphics and performance have been compromised to make them portable on the less powerful system’s hardware. Fans, unfortunately, have had to accept lower visual quality and performance as a result.

In the initial year following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, you’re likely to find the game library rather sparse. This presents an excellent opportunity for Nintendo to revitalize their classic titles by updating them with modern graphics on the latest hardware, effectively enhancing the user experience.

10.
Pokemon Sword & Shield

The Wild Area Needs Renovation

Global Pokemon enthusiasts eagerly anticipate updates for the Gen 9 games. Despite the initial visual quality raising some eyebrows, it’s important to note that these concerns didn’t affect sales. However, the initial release state was somewhat disappointing for the franchise’s reputation.

Perhaps a more natural way of expressing this suggestion would be: It might be beneficial for Pokemon Sword & Shield to receive an update, particularly focusing on enhancing the Wild Area within Galar and the two DLC areas that resemble self-contained Wild Areas. However, the towns and battles in the Generation 8 games generally maintain a pleasant visual appeal.

The Wild Area has some issues; for instance, the textures appear poorly done, reminiscent of the notorious tree, and the sudden appearance of wild Pokémon is quite jarring. To make matters worse, the frame rate significantly drops when there’s a lot happening.

It’s important that Game Freak focuses on addressing issues with Generation 9 games first. Once they have made sufficient progress, it would be great if they could enhance the Galar region for the Nintendo Switch 2.

9.
Bayonetta 3

The Giant Woman Steps On Frame Rates

In the course of developing Bayonetta 3, the initial concept was to create a more expansive open-world setting. However, this idea was altered midway through production. As a result, the game’s levels appear unusually large in comparison to their content.

The large stage sizes and Bayonetta’s ability to call in a Kaiju whenever she wants may lead to the game’s performance slowing down significantly, particularly during intense battles with many characters.

In simple terms, the action-packed game Bayonetta 3 struggles with consistent frame rates, making it annoying given that precise timing is crucial in games developed by PlatinumGames. Perhaps the upcoming Switch 2 will resolve these issues, and we can hope that fans won’t have to wait a long time for an update.

8.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Use The New Drivers

Xenoblade Chronicles 2, launched towards the closing of the Nintendo Switch’s initial year, boasted an impressive appearance considering the timeframe. Its levels were expansive, and there was hardly a sense that the hardware was imposing any limitations on the gameplay possibilities.

One issue that cropped up in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was the unstable frame rate, causing gamers difficulty in keeping a smooth, continuous 30 frames per second during their journey through the game’s environment.

An upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that requires payment might include the DLC and potentially additional content inspired by later games. This could mean playable Blade characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 or appearances of enemies from Xenoblade Chronicles X in the game, given that it has been ported to the Switch.

7.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Time To Fill The Monastery

Given that Fire Emblem: Three Houses features a turn-based battle system with relatively simple controls, one might assume that showcasing its visual appeal on the Nintendo Switch would be straightforward.

Instead of bustling with life, Garreg Mach Monastery, the central setting in the game where players find themselves between battles, is often perceived as an eerily quiet and lifeless location. Despite the presence of students and soldiers, it lacks the vibrancy and liveliness that one might expect from such a place.

Beyond merely enhancing the monastery within Fire Emblem: Three Houses, such an update might also optimize the game’s performance by improving the frame rate. This is particularly significant during combat sequences, as the rate may occasionally drop – noticeably so when there are numerous events happening simultaneously or when a player unleashes an attack with an intricate effect.

6.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Rollback Wombo Combos

The game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate performs exceptionally smoothly on the Nintendo Switch. Very little can trigger lag, except perhaps when multiple Ice Climbers are present on the Dream Fountain stage; however, this situation usually arises due to uncooperative players.

An enhancement that could be made to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is focusing on resolving the troubles with its online multiplayer mode. The game has a reputation for being less than smooth in online matches, particularly when one player’s internet connection is unstable.

An enhancement to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, specifically focusing on improving the online multiplayer experience, would be an incredible blessing and something that long-time fans would gladly pay extra for. If they added a few additional characters, it might even eliminate the need for another Super Smash Bros. game in this generation.

5.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

So Late That It Deserves A Patch

As a dedicated gamer, I’m pretty confident that the game on our list will probably receive an update for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2, given it initially launched in 2025. There seems to be hints within the game’s code suggesting a performance enhancement feature could be in the pipeline.

The Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X, initially an enhanced version of a game for the Wii U, was one of the more visually appealing titles on that platform. However, since the Switch isn’t too far advanced from the Wii U, there are limitations to how much it can be further improved.

It’s quite likely that the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X will receive a 60fps or resolution upgrade soon following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Frankly, it seems unusual that an announcement about such an update hasn’t been made yet.

4.
Luigi’s Mansion 3

Make Sure The Multiplayer Is Bundled In As Well

It could come as a shock to discover that among the games available for the Nintendo Switch, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is often considered one of the most visually impressive, or perhaps even the best, given that it was released back in 2019.

In this animated setting, the scenery is simply stunning, featuring a hotel brimming with areas for the player to mess up, scattering clutter as they go.

In Luigi’s Mansion 3, there’s just one challenge: it runs at a fixed 30 frames per second (fps). Upgrading to a 60fps mode would significantly enhance the gameplay experience, and perhaps adding improved lighting effects could make the visuals even more captivating.

It’s only fair for the premium version to incorporate the top-notch multiplayer DLC that Luigi’s Mansion 3 accumulated during its lifespan. These party games are among the best on Nintendo Switch, and letting these gems fade away would be a real shame.

3.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Make Hisui Pretty Again

As a gamer, I can confidently say that Pokémon Legends: Arceus stands out as the most visually stunning mainline Pokémon game available on the Nintendo Switch. The majority of the stages are set in the Hisui frontier, which is primarily untamed wilderness teeming with wild Pokémon.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there’s definitely room for graphic improvements, particularly in terms of textures, which can be quite grainy in places. Compared to the upcoming Generation 9 games, it’s not quite as rough, but it could certainly benefit from some polishing.

hearing about Pokémon Legends: Z-A receiving a specific launch on the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 suggests optimism for Pokémon Legends: Arceus potentially gaining an upgrade as well.

Since the original game didn’t have any substantial DLC content, it might justify a paid update, potentially linking to present-day Lumiose City as featured in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

2.
Super Mario Maker 2

An Actual Working Online Mode Would Be Nice

In Super Mario Maker 2’s single-player mode, you won’t encounter any problems whatsoever. Regardless of how hectic a level gets, the Nintendo Switch manages admirably, easily handling numerous enemies appearing simultaneously.

The issue with this particular game seems to stem from its multiplayer modes, which, unfortunately, aren’t the best on the Nintendo Switch platform. Somehow, the system appears to have difficulty managing four players attempting to complete a Super Mario Bros. level, rendering the experience nearly unenjoyable.

There’s some uncertainty about whether Nintendo plans to develop more games in the Super Mario Maker series. If they don’t, a premium update offering additional gameplay styles could serve as a fitting finale for the series temporarily.

1.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity

A Natural Choice After Breath Of The Wild

Among numerous games, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity was particularly affected by the Nintendo Switch’s hardware restrictions. The developers at Omega Force made a valiant effort to display vast numbers of enemies in a graphical style similar to Breath of the Wild, but this resulted in significant performance issues.

As a thrilled fan, I can’t contain my excitement after learning directly from Nintendo during the initial Switch 2 Direct presentation that a third installment in the series is on its way! What makes this even more intriguing is the announcement that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment serves as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

It’s likely that since there’s another game in the series, Nintendo might consider updating Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, given how much improvement could be made, particularly addressing the frame rate problems.

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2025-04-30 17:40