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With Nintendo Switch 2, users will be able to look forward to playing most of their catalog of Nintendo Switch games on the new console thanks to its backwards compatibility. However, not only will these old games be playable, they’ll also have some new life breathed into them. Nintendo Switch 2 Expanded Edition upgrade packs will be made available for a range of Nintendo Switch software. The five games shown off today were:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
It’s worth noting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A weren’t specifically named as Expanded Edition or Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games. We’ll update when we learn more.
So, what are these so-called Expanded Editions? As the name suggests, these are versions of Switch games that have been extrapolated upon with enhanced visuals and performance and, in some cases, all-new content. Super Mario Party Jamboree, for instance, will be getting its new Jamboree TV mode, which offers an entirely different experience that works in conjunction with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Using the device, players will see their bodies transported directly into the game. There will also be minigames that take advantage of the new mouse functionality in Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, meanwhile, will be getting the Star-Crossed World expansion. In it, players will explore a new area after a meteor strikes. Kirby will have new Mouthful Modes to take advantage of along the way.
In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, along with the boosted performance, fans will also want to keep their eye on the Nintendo Switch Online phone app. Something called Zelda Notes will become available starting June 5, where players will be able to get real-time, voiced navigation (not unlike getting directions from Google Maps) to things like shrines and Koroks. There will even be new commentary from Zelda herself not previously heard in-game.
Lastly, Civ VII will be getting mouse controls support, something that PC gamers in particular will likely be very appreciative of. Sadly, it sounds like all of these upgrades will require fans to pay, but the cost is currently unknown. However, the folks at NintendoSoup have a price breakdown of some of the games, and it looks like the ugrades might be in the neighborhood of $10. We’ll let you know for sure as soon as Nintendo makes an official announcement.
Source: Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Broadcast 04.02.25
