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Selected Nintendo Switch games have free updates that improve image quality or frame rate when played on Nintendo Switch 2—but the benefits vary by game. Nintendo’s official catalog also lists additions such as HDR, faster loading, GameShare, mouse controls and camera support. It does not give a shared FPS benchmark, so “higher FPS” should not be assumed for every updated game.
Which games have documented graphics or frame-rate improvements?
Nintendo’s UK catalog lists the following updates and benefits. The release dates and availability reflect that regional catalog; check your local Nintendo listing because regional support and titles can differ. Nintendo describes these changes qualitatively rather than publishing resolution or FPS measurements.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time | Buy on Amazon |
| Game | Catalog release date | Documented Switch 2 update |
|---|---|---|
| ARMS | 5 June 2025 | Improved image quality, smoother movement/frame rate—including with three or more players—and HDR. |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | 5 June 2025 | Improved image quality and frame rate for smoother movement. |
| Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | 5 June 2025 | Improved image quality and frame rate; HDR in Bowser’s Fury; GameShare. |
| Splatoon 3 | 12 June 2025 | Improved image quality and smoother movement in the plaza and Grand Festival Grounds. |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 15 January 2026 | Visuals optimized for the Switch 2 display and improved image quality. |
| Donkey Kong Country Returns HD | 21 January 2026 | Improved image quality and faster loading; local GameShare. |
| Pokémon Champions | 8 April 2026 | Improved image quality. |
| Pikmin 3 Deluxe | 1 September 2026 | Improved image quality; GameShare for Bingo Battle. |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 2 September 2026 | Improved image quality and faster loading; up to eight local players on one console and CameraPlay support. |
| Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 | 2 October 2025 | Improved image quality and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. |
Dates and descriptions are from Nintendo UK’s free game updates catalog, accessed October 8, 2026. Nintendo’s May 29, 2025 US announcement covered an initial slate of 12 games, including 51 Worldwide Classics; the UK catalog uses different nomenclature and includes later updates. These lists should not be treated as identical regional guarantees.
Other free updates add features beyond performance
Not every listed update is primarily a graphics or frame-rate patch. The UK catalog documents several other additions:
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
- HDR: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening receive HDR support alongside improved image quality. ARMS also adds HDR, and Bowser’s Fury includes HDR within Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury.
- GameShare: 51 Worldwide Games adds GameShare for up to four players in 34 games. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Super Mario Odyssey support two-player GameShare; other entries include GameShare for Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Pikmin 3 Deluxe’s Bingo Battle.
- Mouse controls: Game Builder Garage and Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 add Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
- Local multiplayer and camera: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe adds support for up to eight local players on one console and CameraPlay. Nintendo notes that some camera features require a compatible USB-C camera; additional compatible controllers may be needed for local multiplayer.
For the full catalog, including entries whose listed update is a feature addition rather than a stated frame-rate increase, consult Nintendo’s regional page. The catalog says update contents differ by game; it does not establish that every game gains both sharper visuals and a higher frame rate.
How to download an eligible game update
- Connect your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet and complete any available system update. Nintendo says these steps are required before downloading eligible free game updates.
- Start the game while online. If an update is available, the console prompts you to download it.
- To check manually, highlight the game on the HOME Menu without launching it, press + or –, then choose Software Update > Via the Internet. Nintendo documents this menu path on its Tears of the Kingdom update support page.
That support page also illustrates why an update’s version number does not automatically mean a performance boost: Tears of the Kingdom version 1.4.0 added Nintendo Switch 2 Edition support, while version 1.4.3, dated February 17, 2026, addressed a Hinox Monster Medal issue and other gameplay issues.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Handheld Mode Boost is a separate system setting
Switch 2 system software version 22.0.0, released March 16, 2026, added Handheld Mode Boost under Nintendo Switch Software Handling. When enabled for compatible Nintendo Switch software, it runs as if in TV Mode; Nintendo warns that some functionality may be affected. This system-level option is distinct from a game’s own update. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 system update history for details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the official claims do—and do not—tell you
Nintendo uses terms such as “improved image quality,” “improved frame rate” and “smoother movement.” Those descriptions identify the intended benefit, but the catalog does not provide a common measured FPS value, resolution target, or cross-game comparison. It also does not establish that improvements apply identically in handheld and TV modes. Treat each entry as a title-specific feature description, not a promise of a particular resolution or frame rate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Become the Hero of Time and save Hyrule from darkness
- Venture into dungeons, solve puzzles, and travel across time in two different eras to restore balance to the land
- A classic tale, reborn for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, visuals built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and more
- Play Link’s in-game ocarina by humming or singing into the Nintendo Switch 2 system microphone
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #3
- 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
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.
