Nintendo charging for next-gen Switch 2 game upgrades, some included with Switch Online

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Some original Switch games will be enhanced on Switch 2, but gamers will have to pay extra to get them.

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Today's Switch 2 reveal highlighted a bold strategy for Nintendo: Charging for next-gen enhancements and upgrades. Select original Switch 1 games will play better on the Switch 2, complete with a bunch of additions and extras, but it won't be free.

Some original Switch games will get a "Switch 2 Edition" that leverages the power of the new Switch 2 console via upgrades (full details here). These will be sold as a separate game SKU in storefronts. Unlike the PS5 and Xbox Series generation, these upgrades won't be free right out of the gate. When the 9th console generation kicked off in 2020, publishers typically gave a grace period between the cross-gen migration and gave away free next-gen versions of their games as a bonus.

Nintendo apparently will not be doing that, but you do have options: You can buy the upgrade pack outright, or get a Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which includes access to four Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs. Other games like Super Mario Party Jamboree will get a Switch 2 Edition, but the upgrade pack won't be free, even if you already own the game.

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So what do you get if you buy a Switch 2 Edition of a game?

Fasting loading, better visuals with 4K support, and better frame rates to start. Developers can also add in extra bonuses as they see fit. Nintendo for its part is adding some meaty bonuses that actually change the gameplay experience to the point where the Switch 2 Editions look like a mix between a paid next-gen upgrade and an expansion pack.

The newer Zelda duo, for example, are both getting Switch 2 Editions that allow gamers to share creations made in Tears of the Kingdom with other players with QR codes, and even a note-taking feature through the Nintendo App.

If you already own Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, then you'll just buy an upgrade pack or a Switch Online+Expansion Pack membership.

"The new capabilities of Nintendo Switch 2 allow for compatible physical and digital games released on Nintendo Switch to receive paid Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs featuring enhanced graphics, exclusive content offerings, and new gameplay experiences.

"Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members playing on Nintendo Switch 2 will soon gain access to upgrade packs for both the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom games, allowing them to enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games at no additional cost. Note: you must have either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch to use the respective upgrade pack.

"See the Kingdom of Hyrule in a whole new way with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, available with performance upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2. Smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics will make for a fresh experience when revisiting these adventures, and now players will also have a little extra help. Also on the way is an update to the Nintendo Switch App***** (previously known as the Nintendo Switch Online App), called ZELDA NOTES.

"This game-specific service is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of the games and helps players navigate to various locations, like that difficult-to-find shrine or hidden Korok, and will even feature commentary from Princess Zelda herself that was not part of the original games. Both upgraded titles will be available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day, June 5.