Nintendo’s Switch 2 Editions upgrade selected Nintendo Switch games, but there is no single upgrade package shared across them. Depending on the title, an upgrade pack can improve resolution, frame rate and loading, or add new story content, modes and controls. If you own the original game, you can generally buy its upgrade pack separately; the added features require a Nintendo Switch 2.
What a Switch 2 Edition includes
A Switch 2 Edition combines the original Switch game with an upgrade pack. Owners of the original game can generally buy the pack on its own rather than purchase the game again. Nintendo says the pack’s contents vary by title: some focus on image quality or performance, while others add playable content and features. The original game remains playable on a Switch, but Switch 2 Edition features are available only on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition overview explains the distinction.
| # | 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 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which Switch games have upgrades, and what do they add?
Nintendo’s US overview features these examples. It is a selection, not a complete count of every Switch 2 Edition across all publishers.
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|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Improved frame rates and resolution, faster loading, HDR support, and support for game-specific services in the Nintendo Switch App. HDR in TV mode requires a compatible display. |
| Super Mario Party Jamboree | Jamboree TV and additional modes using mouse controls, a microphone, and a compatible USB camera (sold separately); CameraPlay; local GameShare; improved frame rate; and output up to WQHD on a TV or Full HD in tabletop and handheld modes. |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | A new Star-Crossed World story, visual enhancements, and an improved frame rate. |
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Higher frame rate and resolution. |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Mouse control support, enhanced resolution and textures, faster loading, and quality and performance display modes. Nintendo lists up to 4K at 60 fps in TV quality mode and up to 120 fps at 1080p in TV performance mode; advertised output depends on display requirements, and 4K frame rate is capped at 60 fps. |
These differences matter when comparing editions: an upgrade might primarily make an existing game look or run better, or it might add substantial playable material. Nintendo’s title descriptions provide the feature details for each example.
#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
How to get an upgrade pack and what you need
The original Switch game can be physical or digital. Upgrade packs are available through Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Store, and participating retailers that sell download codes. A retailer code must be redeemed; buying the pack does not make its Switch 2 features playable on the original console. Nintendo lists the base-game requirement on each relevant product page, so check the specific listing before purchasing.
- Check that you own the original game. The upgrade pack is not a substitute for the base game; some listings explicitly require it.
- Look up the game’s upgrade pack. Compare its included features, availability and price in your region through Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Store or a retailer selling a download code.
- Check subscription eligibility before paying. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes selected upgrade packs in some regions, not every pack. Confirm that the game and your membership meet the terms shown for your location.
- Play the enhanced edition on Nintendo Switch 2. The original game remains playable on Switch, but the upgrade’s new features require Switch 2.
Upgrade pack prices and Expansion Pack membership
Price and subscription inclusion depend on the game and region. For Tears of the Kingdom in the United States, Nintendo Support lists the upgrade pack at $9.99 USD. Active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members may download that pack at no additional cost if they meet Nintendo’s conditions. A separately purchased pack is treated as a virtual game card; a pack downloaded through membership can be played only while the player is an active member. See Nintendo’s US support information for the Tears of the Kingdom upgrade pack for the applicable details.
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
Nintendo’s UK overview identifies the Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom editions as included with Expansion Pack membership, provided the player owns the original game. That regional example should not be read as a promise that every upgrade is included, or that the same benefit applies in every country. Check the relevant Nintendo UK upgrade-pack overview and local membership terms.
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What is announced for Xenoblade Chronicles 3?
Nintendo lists the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack as scheduled for December 3, 2026. That is a future release date, not confirmation that the pack is already available. Nintendo says the full Xenoblade Chronicles 3 game is required and describes a new Hero, Heroes’ Vault defensive battle mode, newly voiced events, and enhanced resolution and frame rate. The listing also cautions that preorder information may change. Check Nintendo’s product listing for current availability and terms.
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
How to decide whether an upgrade is worthwhile
- For a performance-focused upgrade: look for stated changes to resolution, frame rate, loading or HDR, and consider whether your display supports the advertised output.
- For new gameplay: check whether the pack adds a story, mode, character or control option you actually want; not every edition adds new story content.
- For cost: compare the standalone pack price with any eligible Expansion Pack benefit for your particular game and region.
- For release timing: distinguish a pack listed as available from one with a future scheduled date.
Nintendo’s featured examples show why it is worth checking the individual listing rather than assuming every “upgrade” means the same thing.
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.
