During today's highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo unveiled exciting news for fans: nearly the entire catalog of Nintendo Switch games will be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Even more thrilling, a select group of games are set to receive enhanced "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" versions, boasting unique features that elevate the gaming experience. Among the highlighted titles are 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 upgrades tailored to enhance gameplay. The spotlight first shone on Super Mario Party: Jamboree, which introduces a novel feature called "Jamboree TV." This upgrade incorporates mouse controls, audio recognition, enhanced rumble feedback, and new gameplay elements utilizing the innovative camera accessory, promising a more immersive party experience.

Following this, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were showcased, both set to receive upgraded resolution, improved framerate, and HDR support. Additionally, players can look forward to a new feature on the Nintendo Switch Online app called Zelda Notes, which includes voice guidance to assist in locating Shrines and Koroks, as well as the ability to share creations in Tears of the Kingdom via QR codes with friends.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is set to get an exclusive new story titled Star-Crossed World, available only on the Nintendo Switch 2, along with enhanced graphics and smoother framerates.

Two highly anticipated new releases, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, are also receiving upgraded versions. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will feature mouse control capabilities, running at a stunning 4K resolution and 60fps with HDR support. Meanwhile, Pokemon Legends: Z-A will offer improved resolution and framerates, enhancing the visual and gameplay experience.

These upgraded editions will be available in both physical and digital formats. Additionally, for those who already own the original versions on the Nintendo Switch, upgrade packs will be available for purchase for Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Party, and Kirby, allowing players to seamlessly transition to the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 versions.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Zelda Nintendo Switch Editions

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The presentation also touched on third-party titles receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, including Civilization 7, which will support mouse controls, and Street Fighter 6, featuring exclusive game modes for the Switch 2.

Nintendo first sparked curiosity about these "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games last week with a subtle footnote on a newly-announced Virtual Game Card system webpage. The footnote clarified that these special editions could not be transferred to the original Nintendo Switch via the Virtual Game Card system.

For those eager to dive deeper into all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, comprehensive coverage is available right here.