Nintendo has confirmed a number of original Nintendo Switch games will receive upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 versions, including a new version of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond.
The Nintendo Switch 2 direct reconfirmed that the console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch games, but a number of original Nintendo Switch games will be getting new updated versions. The first shown was an updated version of Super Mario Party Jamboree with the mouthful title of Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.
This upgrade includes a litany of new features like mouse controls. The biggest new addition is support for the Nintendo Switch 2 camera to see your pals grin when they steal your stars and take part in the new Bowser Live mode, which looks like a multiplayer Eyetoy game.
Most notably was the confirmation that both Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A will have Nintendo Switch 2 editions when they launch later this year. Metroid Prime 4 will have support for mouse controls as well as two resolution modes (4K/60fps with HDR or 1080p/120fps with HDR). Meanwhile, the Pokemon Z-A version simply mentions 'enhanced resolution and frame rates.'
Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be available on Nintendo Switch 2, with the usual framerate and resolution updates. Meanwhile, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also arriving with a brand new 'Star-Crossed World' story expansion which takes place after the story of Forgotten Land (and again, with graphical and framerate updates).
Nintendo has confirmed that these Nintendo Switch 2 versions will come in both Physical and Digital editions. Although the Metroid Prime 4 and Zelda upgrades' Switch 2 boxart (spotted by Wario64 on Bluesky) says it "includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade" which seems to imply it's going to come with an upgrade code rather than a fully-functional cartridge.
However, if you own the original Nintendo Switch game you'll be able to buy an Upgrade Pack to get the new version, although the pricing of these upgrades hasn't been confirmed. But, Nintendo has confirmed that Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will get access to 'selected upgrade packs' free of charge with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom being free at launch.
Speaking of Kirby, a sequel to the GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride is coming, with Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai at the helm.
