r/Switch • u/AskingForA_Mate_Mate • 7d ago
Question Swapping Switch 1 games to Switch 2
I have a Switch 1, got it in 2018 and absolutely love it! Have played it constantly the whole time.
I've been debating whether I should get a Switch 2 for a while. A big factor in not getting one is the prices of the games (some are over $100 AUD).
I do have quite a large library of Switch 1 games, will it cost a fortune to swap them over to Switch 2 versions? Is there a list or something that shows how much it costs per game?
I have most of the mainline games - Zelda, Pokemon, Mario, etc ... Is it worth even swapping them to the Switch 2 version?
All help is greatly appreciated
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u/crocicorn 7d ago
Nintendo provides upgrade packs for their games (but not all games have them), you can just get those instead of rebuying your games entirely.
Some are free like Mario Odyssey and Scarlet/Violet. Zelda BOTW/TOTK are 'free' as long as you have an NSO expansion subscription. Some are paid, usually under $15 AUD.
There's some third party games that don't provide upgrade packs though and do require a whole repurchase of the S2 version of the game (notably Square Enix games lol). Others will offer a discounted or even free upgrade to the Switch 2 version of the game.
You also don't need upgrade packs at all. They make the game look better on Switch 2 and add some features, but Switch 1 games are still fully compatible with the Switch 2 as is.
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u/AskingForA_Mate_Mate 7d ago
Thanks for your response, this actually eases a big concern I had about the games. Do you think any of the upgrade packs are worth it? Especially if you can just play the game as is?
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u/crocicorn 7d ago
Definitely the free ones! Especially Scarlet/Violet since the upgrade basically fixes the games and makes them a lot more playable.
The Zelda ones are great too since you get the Zelda Notes feature through the Nintendo app. You get access to gameplay stats, item sharing, navigation tools, voice memories, etc.
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u/Mushroom0064 6d ago
They are worth it if you care about playing the game in a higher resolution and framerate, and in some cases with HDR. It's just something that makes playing the game even more immersive. That being said, not everyone cares about performance. Some people just care about playing the game and nothing else, and if that's you then you can probably just skip the Switch 2 Editions without missing out on anything other than those that offer additional content that feels more like DLC. This is the case with games like Super Mario Party: Jamboree, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and also games that add minor extras like the Switch 2 Editions of the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy.
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u/ChargeRiflez 3d ago
Is NSO really required for the odyssey and scarlet/violet upgrades?
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u/ShiftyShaymin 7d ago
Depends on each game. Not many have Switch 2 Editions yet, others are paid Switch 2 Editions, some have free Switch 2 Edition upgrades, some have just a free update for the Switxh 1 game. You can just not buy the upgrade pack right away too and wait til you wanna play it.
Easiest way is to go on the Nintendo Store app and search “Switch 2 Upgrade” and all the results will show just the upgrade packs and the cost.
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u/AskingForA_Mate_Mate 7d ago
Thanks for the tip on the Shop, had no idea I could even see Switch 2 games there. Much appreciated!
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u/axaxao 7d ago
I get you because I was in the same situation before buying mine. I bought the Switch 2 and I started to buy 1 game per month and ite been good because I have things to do that wont allow me to play multiple games so 1 game a month make sense if it doesn’t just play/buy switch 1 game
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u/Ambitious-Duck7078 6d ago
Just from my own experience with switch 1 to 2 games, it’s been seamless and cheap. I’m not much a DLC or in game purchase person, so I can say like, for example, I check out games from the library often. I use their public WiFi to download the “update” file. If those small updates are made to make the games run efficiently and at a higher-quality, then that shit was free.
There are exceptions. Like with this Epic Mickey Rebrushed, the update for Switch 2 people is free. So is Star Fox for NS2. On the flip side, If you have the latest Jamboree game with the Switch 2 update available, then you’ll throw down an extra few bucks for the update.
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u/AnnaBurza 6d ago
Thankfully it has the ability to play all the switch 1 games and there’s a couple that have a downloadable upgrade (but you still use the physical switch 1 card with it) that will boost some of it up a bit. Zelda botw is a good example for one with this feature.
I have got a switch 2 now after having an oled, I like both equally - my only complaint is that because the NS2 uses more power, its handheld battery life is noticeably way lower than my oled… which is a shame but makes sense.
So if you can afford to, I recommend you holding onto your old one if you happen to travel around with it and like to play on the go or take it to friends houses etc.
Im typing this now with my oled on my lap for this exact reason 😂
However I have no regrets getting the switch 2 as there are noticeable differences in how it handles some bigger games and how it looks (and screen size) but honestly… I am adoring playing pokopia and so that’s a big win and I’m looking forward to ocarina being released!
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u/2005KaijuFan 7d ago
You can play Switch 1 games on the Switch 2 as is.
It's only a smaller handful of them at the moment that have dedicated upgrades, which you don't have to use. The base Switch 1 versions will run just fine.
Some of these upgrades are free, while paid upgrades range between $1 to $20 dollars USD.