Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025. It brings the complete Anniversary Edition content and a set of Switch 2-specific features, including DLSS anti-aliasing, faster loading, mouse controls, motion controls, and amiibo support. What you pay depends on which Switch version you already own.
What’s included in Skyrim Anniversary Edition?
The Switch 2 edition includes the base game and all three official expansions: Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire. Bethesda also lists hundreds of Creation Club items, including quests, weapons, armor, spells, and dungeons. Bethesda’s launch announcement describes the same package.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Star Fox™ - Nintendo Switch 2 | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Zelda-themed equipment
The edition includes the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Champion’s Tunic inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Bethesda says you can find them by exploring the Throat of the World; the items are included with every Anniversary Edition purchase or upgrade.
What’s new on Switch 2?
Bethesda lists enhanced resolution with DLSS anti-aliasing, improved loading times, optimized performance, mouse controls, motion controls, and amiibo support. Nintendo likewise describes updated visuals, improved loading, and optimized performance on its Nintendo UK product page.
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#1 Best Overall
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
These are qualitative feature claims, not published benchmarks. The official pages do not specify a resolution target, frame rate, or measured load-time difference, so there is no sourced basis for assigning a numerical performance gain over the Switch version.
How much does it cost, and how do you get it?
Bethesda’s US launch page gives different routes based on your Switch ownership. The quoted prices are US prices; check the eShop or Bethesda’s page for your region and current eligibility.
Rank #2
- Blast off on a high-octane adventure to save a star system from invasion
- Tear through space, soar across planets, and shoot loads of foes out of the sky at every step of the way
- A cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 story, featuring fully voiced dialogue, an epic orchestral soundtrack, and a complete visual overhaul for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Enter first-person mode to experience the action from inside the cockpit, and even use mouse controls to fly
- Invite a second player* to join you as a gunner using Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls
| Your Switch ownership | Route on Switch 2 | Bethesda US price |
|---|---|---|
| You do not own Skyrim on Nintendo Switch | Buy the full Anniversary Edition for Switch 2. | $59.99 |
| You own Skyrim on Nintendo Switch, but not Anniversary Edition | Buy the Anniversary Edition Upgrade for Switch 2. For a physical copy of the base game, Bethesda says to access the upgrade through the in-game menu. | $19.99 |
| You already own Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch | Download the Switch 2 version at no additional charge. | Free |
For an existing owner, Bethesda’s instructions are to install the Switch version on Switch 2—by transferring it, downloading it from the eShop, or inserting its cartridge—then launch it. On the title menu, use the eShop banner, press Y, and follow the purchase or download prompts. The Switch 2 version installs as a separate application. See Bethesda’s full upgrade instructions.
Does the original Switch version get the enhancements?
No. Bethesda Support says the original Switch Skyrim Special Edition can be played on Switch 2, but it does not receive the Anniversary Edition enhancements. Bethesda identifies Anniversary Edition as the Switch 2 version. Check Bethesda Support’s compatibility guidance if you want to keep playing the edition you already have.
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Bethesda says a physical code-in-box version is available. That wording means the box provides a game code; it does not establish that the full game is stored on a cartridge. Confirm the format on a retailer’s current listing before buying.
Rank #3
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
Release details
Bethesda announced the edition as available on December 9, 2025, the same release date listed by Nintendo UK. Nintendo’s UK product page lists a 53.2 GB download size; that regional figure may change with updates. Nintendo also promotes the game as having more than 200 Game of the Year awards, but its listing does not specify the awards, years, or counting method, so treat that as publisher promotional copy rather than an independently audited tally.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
