"Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades Announced for Key Games Including Breath of the Wild, Metroid Prime 4"

During today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo unveiled that nearly their entire catalog from the original Nintendo Switch will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. Excitingly, select games are receiving enhanced "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" versions, boasting unique features. These titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and Mario Party: Jamboree.

Each Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game offers distinct enhancements. The presentation kicked off with Super Mario Party: Jamboree, which introduces a new feature called "Jamboree TV". This upgrade includes mouse controls, audio recognition, enhanced rumble effects, and gameplay utilizing a new camera accessory.

Next, we saw The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both receiving upgrades in resolution, framerate, and HDR support. Additionally, these games will benefit from a new service within the Nintendo Switch Online app named Zelda Notes, providing voice guidance for locating Shrines and Koroks, and the ability to share creations in Tears of the Kingdom via QR codes with friends.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is set to receive a new story exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, titled Star-Crossed World, along with improved graphics and framerates.

Two highly anticipated titles, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, are also getting enhanced versions. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will feature mouse control capabilities, 4K resolution at 60fps, and HDR, while Pokemon Legends: Z-A will see boosts in resolution and framerate.

All these upgraded games will be available in both physical and digital formats. Owners of the original versions on the Nintendo Switch can purchase upgrade packs for Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Party, and Kirby to enjoy these enhancements.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Editions

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The Direct also highlighted third-party games receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, including Civilization 7 with mouse support and Street Fighter 6 with Switch 2-exclusive game modes.

Nintendo had hinted at these "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games last week with a subtle footnote on a webpage about the newly-announced Virtual Game Card system, noting that such games cannot be transferred to the original Nintendo Switch via Virtual Game Card.

For a full recap of everything announced at today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find more details here.