The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, and as expected, the new console maintains strong backward compatibility with original Switch games. However, Nintendo is going beyond mere compatibility by offering specially enhanced "Switch 2 Edition" versions of select Switch 1 titles that feature more than just visual upgrades.

What Games Are Compatible With Switch 2?

Nintendo categorizes Switch 2 game compatibility into three types: Native Switch 2 exclusives designed specifically for the new hardware, standard Switch 1 cartridges that play natively on Switch 2, and enhanced Switch 2 Edition titles featuring additional content and performance improvements.

This compatibility doesn't include games available through Nintendo Switch Online, which offers classic titles from NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and GameCube libraries.

What's Included in Switch 2 Edition Games?

The recent Nintendo Switch 2 presentation revealed that these enhanced editions offer significant value additions. For instance:

Super Mario Party Jamboree's Switch 2 Edition introduces Jamboree TV content that utilizes Joy-Con 2 motion controls, the new console's microphone, and optional USB-C camera peripheral.

These editions also feature resolution boosts up to 1440p in TV mode, improved frame rates, and often include new minigames and online functionality.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, being a cross-generation release, will support Joy-Con 2 pointer controls and offer multiple display modes including:

• Quality Mode (4K/60fps docked or 1080p/60fps handheld with HDR)
• Performance Mode (1080p/120fps docked or 720p/120fps handheld with HDR)

Other titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land receive substantial new content such as the Star-Crossed World expansion. The Legend of Zelda games will integrate with the enhanced Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch app.

When Will Switch 2 Edition Games Launch?

The Switch 2 launches June 5, 2025 with several enhanced editions:

• Day One: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
• July 24: Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
• August 28: Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A currently have 2025 release windows without specific dates.

Switch 2 Edition Pricing Structure

New buyers can purchase stand-alone Switch 2 Edition games marked with red cases or digital store logos. Existing Switch 1 owners can upgrade through paid upgrade packs available at retailers and digital stores.

Notably, Zelda game upgrades will be included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriptions, similar to how the service currently provides classic games.

Nintendo's backward compatibility approach makes transitioning to Switch 2 effortless, while these enhanced editions give players compelling reasons to revisit classic games with new features.