Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Needs To Find A Healthy…

While it might be good news that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature updated versions of some original Switch games, a potential imbalance between these new editions may already be forming that Nintendo should keep an eye on. Though the focus of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been on its next-gen games, Nintendo has also ensured the longevity of previous Switch games as it transitions to its new console. For games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Nintendo has confirmed these will receive new Switch 2 Editions, and many more may follow.

However, among the Switch 2 Editions revealed or rumored so far, there seems to be some disparities in what players receive when upgrading certain Switch games. For example, while virtually all new editions will feature improved graphics and performance thanks to the Switch 2's hardware, only a select few have been confirmed to include additional content exclusive to the Switch 2, such as Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World. While it may not be an immediate concern ahead of the Switch 2's launch later this year, Nintendo should aim to manage expectations for developers and players regarding Switch 2 Editions games.

Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game Confirmed So Far

Here’s every Nintendo Switch 2 game confirmed so far, from returning favorites to brand-new third-party titles coming to Nintendo’s next-gen console.

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By Carla Carmona

Breaking Down The Differences In Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games

Beyond various Switch games receiving free updates when played on the Switch 2, according to Nintendo's website, there are just under a dozen confirmed or speculated Switch 2 Edition games in the works for the upcoming console. Several have already been showcased by Nintendo, such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom enhanced gameplay or Kirby's upcoming Star-Crossed World expansion, while others like Pokemon Legends: Z-A or Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar will need additional updates. However, even among the Switch 2 Editions confirmed so far, it seems some games are getting a better deal than others.

For instance, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and both Zelda games will receive performance improvements and quality-of-life features, they won't receive any new story content. Meanwhile, games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land will receive expansions similar to Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, and Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV will feature Switch 2 exclusive minigames. Ultimately, this suggests that some Switch 2 Editions will be better value for money if some only offer minor or superficial improvements, even in cases where players had been anticipating expansions or DLC for games like Tears of the Kingdom.

Nintendo Should Standardize Its Switch 2 Edition Games

While it may not be possible for Nintendo to include new content in every Switch 2 Edition, it should either moderate how much can be added in these updated versions or ensure that costs reflect any new content. Based on Nintendo's original Japanese listings and recent reports about prices for Switch 2 upgrade packs, Nintendo seems to at least be taking the latter approach, with some editions being free with Nintendo Switch Online membership or varying in price between ten dollars or more depending on the game. However, with no clear standards or baselines for content and pricing, this could become an issue for Nintendo.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Could Be A Temporary But Necessary Evil

Ever since the latest Nintendo Direct, there has been significant controversy around the prices of the Switch 2 itself and its games, and things may potentially get worse following Nintendo's delays to US pre-orders in response to uncertainty over tariffs. But Nintendo would arguably receive criticism over the Switch 2 regardless of any steps it took to mitigate controversy, as game prices have been increasing across the industry and backwards compatibility remains a hot-button topic. Therefore, these upgraded editions may only be a temporary but necessary evil until both Nintendo and its players fully transition to the Switch 2.

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