Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrades: What You’ll Pay and What You’ll Get

9 May 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrades: What You’ll Pay and What You’ll Get

Summary:

With the buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2 growing louder, Nintendo has dropped official prices for a wave of game upgrade packs. Popular titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree are getting enhanced Switch 2 editions priced at $19.99 / £16.99. Meanwhile, fan-favorite adventures from The Legend of Zelda franchise—Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom—come in at a lower $9.99 / £7.99. The differing prices seem to reflect the level of technical work and improvements behind each upgrade. From visual enhancements to possible performance boosts, fans are eager to see how these editions reshape their favorite titles. Below, we break down the cost, content, and considerations around these new Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades.

Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade packs finally priced

Nintendo has officially confirmed how much it’ll cost to upgrade some of its most beloved games to the Nintendo Switch 2 editions. Four major titles—two from the Zelda series, and two iconic platformers—are getting polished for the next-generation Switch experience. While prices vary depending on the game, the cost for these upgrade packs ranges from $9.99 to $19.99. This announcement has sparked conversations around what players can expect for their money and how these prices compare to previous upgrades or remasters Nintendo has offered. With many fans already planning their Switch 2 purchases, these upgrade details are more important than ever.

What the pricing means for players

When Nintendo announces pricing like this, it sends a clear message. For players, these upgrade packs mean that you won’t necessarily need to repurchase your favorite games entirely—just pay a smaller fee to enjoy them with all the bells and whistles the Switch 2 has to offer. That’s a win for those who already own the original versions. But it also raises questions: Are these upgrades worth the price? And are they delivering enough new value to justify the extra cost? As always with Nintendo, the answer often lies in the details—some of which are clearer than others.

The Kirby and the Forgotten Land upgrade explained

Kirby and the Forgotten Land has been one of the most celebrated platformers on the Nintendo Switch, bringing the pink puffball into 3D environments for the first time. For the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, the upgrade is priced at $19.99 / £16.99. While Nintendo hasn’t given a full feature list, fans are expecting performance boosts like smoother framerates, enhanced resolution, and maybe even faster loading times. This price point suggests a more substantial overhaul—perhaps even new content or visual improvements that elevate the game beyond just a simple port. For those who adored Kirby’s latest outing, this upgrade feels like a chance to see him at his best.

Super Mario Party Jamboree’s Switch 2 edition

Also sitting at the $19.99 / £16.99 mark is the upgrade for Super Mario Party Jamboree. Known for its chaotic mini-games and friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition, this title is likely to benefit from technical improvements that smooth out gameplay and reduce lag. Considering its multiplayer focus, any upgrade that enhances responsiveness or visual fidelity will be warmly welcomed. There’s also speculation that Nintendo might include new mini-games or party boards exclusive to the Switch 2 edition. While none of that’s confirmed, the higher price tag hints at a meatier upgrade than just backend tweaks.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild upgrade details

For just $9.99 / £7.99, players can upgrade The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to its Switch 2 edition. This lower price indicates a lighter-touch upgrade, probably focused on smoother performance and perhaps higher resolution. Considering the original game already runs well on the standard Switch, this might simply polish what’s already there. Still, replaying Link’s open-world journey with improved visuals and possibly reduced load times could breathe new life into a game that many fans still rank as one of the greatest of all time.

Tears of the Kingdom: what’s included in the $9.99 pack

Joining Breath of the Wild at the $9.99 / £7.99 price point is its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. This game is newer, more expansive, and more technically demanding—so a modest upgrade price might surprise some. However, it’s likely that the Switch 2’s improved hardware can already run it well enough with minor tweaks. That said, even minor enhancements like steadier frame rates or better draw distances can dramatically change how immersive the game feels. Players who’ve already poured dozens of hours into Hyrule might find that this upgrade justifies a return trip.

Why Nintendo has set different price points

The clear pricing divide—$19.99 for Kirby and Mario Party, $9.99 for both Zeldas—seems to follow the level of work done on each title. Games with potential graphical overhauls or new features naturally cost more. On the other hand, lighter touch-ups cost less. It’s a pricing model that mirrors what we’ve seen in remastered collections or cross-generation upgrades on other platforms. Nintendo is walking a fine line between providing added value and not alienating players who don’t want to pay twice for the same game. So far, reactions have been mixed—but mostly positive.

Is the pricing fair? Fans weigh in

Fans haven’t been shy about voicing their opinions on social media. Some are happy just to see Nintendo offer upgrades at all—especially at prices far lower than buying the games again. Others, though, question whether a $20 fee is too steep for what might only be visual upgrades. There’s also concern about what this means long term: Will future games get similar pricing tiers? Will Nintendo bundle these upgrades with DLC? At the moment, it’s clear that fans appreciate the transparency, even as they debate the value proposition.

What this means for future Nintendo upgrades

This pricing model may well set the tone for Nintendo’s approach to future Switch 2 upgrades. If successful, we could see a consistent tiered upgrade strategy depending on the effort involved. That could be good news for players hoping to bring over their libraries without breaking the bank. But it also puts pressure on Nintendo to justify those higher price points. Players will expect meaningful changes if they’re asked to pay nearly $20 again. And Nintendo’s track record, while strong, will be scrutinized more closely as more upgrades roll out.

Should you invest in the Nintendo Switch 2 editions?

So, are these upgrades worth it? That depends on how much you value smoother gameplay, crisper visuals, and reduced load times. For new players, the Switch 2 editions are a no-brainer. But for returning fans, it’s all about how much the enhancements improve the experience. If the new editions breathe fresh energy into already great games, then yes—they’re probably worth every cent. But if they end up being light visual tweaks and nothing more, even a $9.99 price tag might feel a bit much. Ultimately, it’s your call. But at least now, you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s new upgrade pricing gives fans a clearer picture of what transitioning to the Switch 2 will cost. By offering affordable options across beloved titles, the company strikes a balance between accessibility and added value. Whether you’re in it for nostalgia or eager to experience these games at their best, the choice is yours. But one thing’s for sure: Nintendo’s preparing for the Switch 2 era with deliberate strategy—and players are paying attention.

FAQs
  • How much does it cost to upgrade a game to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition?
    • Most upgrades are priced at either $9.99 or $19.99 depending on the title and improvements.
  • Is the Kirby upgrade worth $19.99?
    • If you loved the original and want enhanced visuals and smoother performance, it’s likely a good value.
  • Do I need to rebuy games completely for the Switch 2?
    • No, if you already own the game, you can just purchase the upgrade pack.
  • Why is the Zelda upgrade cheaper than Kirby and Mario Party?
    • Zelda upgrades seem to involve fewer technical changes, hence the lower price.
  • Will all Nintendo Switch games have a paid upgrade option?
    • That hasn’t been confirmed yet, but these early titles may set the standard going forward.
Sources
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