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With the Nintendo Switch 2 coming up, the fans are buzzing. Even better, some of your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch are receiving free updates for the new console. That’s right: improved performance, improved graphics, and faster loads, for the most part, without spending an extra penny. Here’s everything that we know so far about the officially announced titles and what to expect.
What Is the Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo has not officially announced every little thing yet. However, reputable industry sources report that the Nintendo Switch 2 will boast heavy upgrades compared to its predecessor. It has a more efficient processor, better resolution (up to 4K when docked and plugged into the TV), and upgraded Joy-Cons. Backward compatibility is also expected, so you can play your Switch library from the last generation, but not only that, some games will even get free next-gen updates.
Free Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrades
Free upgrades mean that if you already have the game on your current Switch (physically or digitally), you will be able to download one that runs better on the Switch 2 for free. This would be similar to what we have seen with PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Series X/S upgrades.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the list of officially announced and rumored Nintendo Switch games with free Switch 2 upgrades.
Confirmed Games with Free Upgrades for Nintendo Switch 2
These games are formally confirmed by developers or reliable sources to receive free Switch 2 upgrades. Check out the official site for more that is not on here.
- Super Mario Odyssey – A Switch classic. It’s not surprising that it’d get an upgrade, and also new players to experience simultaneously it gives motivation for those who’ve already experienced it to play it again.
- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – These games started out poorly when coming out, and while players did eventually get used to it, it still had a plethora of issues (the most obvious of which was performance). It’d give these two a chance to truly shine.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is less well-known than Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, but it is nothing to sneer at. Link’s Awakening had all sorts of performance issues, so fans will be able to play it the way it was originally meant.
- Arms – Some might say this is an unusual choice, but it’s one of the first games in a window of the original Switch’s launch, as well as being made specifically for the Switch. It’ll get another chance to demonstrate what it’s capable of.
Games to Receive Upgrades or Have Prices Confirmed
Unfortunately, some games will not be getting free upgrades for the Nintendo Switch 2. Some of these will be free for those who have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass, but otherwise, you’ll have to pay for them.
- The Legend of Zelda: BoTW and ToTK – Extremely well-liked games on the Switch, although each will be charged $10 separately to upgrade (£ still to be announced in the UK and EU currently), meaning a total of $20 would be added to bring both along. Some are calling it cheaper than expected but still a disappointment to others.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – An instant hit on the Switch, its price hasn’t been set in stone yet. Some would guess that since it’s not a flagship game, maybe it could be $5 or less, but Nintendo could easily leave it like the above. In the meantime, however, it will feature more content, so there is a good likelihood that it’ll be the same as Zelda or better.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Similar circumstance as Jamboree, so difficult to speculate what the price could be. At least it’s pleasant that less prominent characters (than icons such as Mario and Zelda) will get to do it another time, though!
How to Acquire These Free Upgrades on Switch 2
Luckily, Nintendo made it easy to acquire your free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades.
- For free update, you shall have to plug the Nintendo Switch 2 onto the internet, then you shall be able to download the free updates easily.
- For upgrade purchases, you’ll have to purchase the upgrade bundle in the store (either by retailers, My Nintendo Shop formally, or even the Nintendo retail store on the console).
Will All Nintendo Switch Games Be Compatible with Switch 2?
According to leakers and insiders, one of the most prominent features of the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backward compatibility. Though, as stated, not every single game will be upgraded for free, or upgraded at all. Some will simply run as they are, and some will receive upgraded patches.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t shaping up to be more than just a new console; it’s a complete reworking of the Switch experience. With free game updates, Nintendo is offering long-term fans a love that will have them cherish the games they’ve already purchased.
Simultaneously, however, people are slightly upset that Nintendo will be charging for some of the upgrades. It was inevitable, but at least most of them are going to get new material, so it’s something to look forward to. So, whether you want to return to Hyrule, catch pocket monsters, or hang out (i.e., sabotage friendships) at a Mario party, these extended experiences are worth the wait.
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TODAY'S BEST
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.
Cowboys fans send animated two-word message to Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys fans appear to have one thing on their mind during training camp, and they made sure to let team owner Jerry Jones know about it on Saturday. Hundreds of Cowboys fans showed up to the team's annual "Opening Day Ceremony" on Saturday in Oxnard, California. Jones addressed the crowd, and the 82-year-old was greeted with a lot of restless supporters when he took the microphone. As Jones began talking about how disappointed he was with his team's 7-10 season last year, many fans shouted the same two-word message: "Pay Micah!" The fans eventually settled enough for Jones to urge them to take note of all the changes the Cowboys have made this offseason. "I was shocked last year when we ended up with the record that we had. I never saw that coming. I want you to know, and I want you to look for as you watch practices this week, I want you to watch what we've done in the areas that we needed to work on," Jones said. "Look at what we've done in this offensive line. Look at what we've done, if you will, with our receiver cops. Look at what we're doing with our defense. A lot of changes out here -- a lot of coaching changes, a lot of player changes." Parsons is set to make $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season. He is undoubtedly seeking to become the highest-paid defensive player in football, which would mean topping the $41M per year T.J. Watt recently got with his new deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parsons had 12 or more sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons. Jones has hinted that he is playing hardball with the star linebacker in contract negotiations, and Cowboys fans do not seem to appreciate it.
Red Sox Dream Target Reportedly Just Hit Trade Block
The Boston Red Sox could use more firepower in the middle of the lineup and as the trade deadline has gotten closer, rumors specifically about first base have popped up. One guy who has been floated as a fit has been Tampa Bay Rays star Yandy Díaz, but a deal has seemed like nothing more than a pipe dream. While this is the case, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that Tampa Bay may be more willing to move him than initially expected and that Boston will be at the top of the list for him if he does actually become available. "The Rays entered Saturday 3-4 since the All-Star break and 6-15 since June 28," Rosenthal said. "Any thought of owner Stuart Sternberg going out on a high note before selling the club appears to be fading. A rapid turnaround might force the Rays to shift course. But Rays officials began signaling to teams late Friday that they will be open to moving Díaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe and others if they do not reverse their tailspin. A final decision might not come before Wednesday, on the eve of the deadline. "The Rays have been reluctant to trade Díaz, who sacrificed perhaps greater money elsewhere by signing two club-friendly extensions. If they indeed become willing to move him, the Boston Red Sox will almost certainly be at the top of the list of the teams interested. Another Rays player who could be on the move: Catcher Danny Jansen, whom the team signed last offseason to a two-year, $8.5 million free-agent contract with a club option for 2027. If Jansen goes, the Rays could backfill with another catcher." If Boston is going to make a big addition, this absolutely should be it.
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