Some of the games getting these updates are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (version 1.4.0), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (version 1.8.0), Pikmin 3 Deluxe (version 1.1.2), Super Mario Bros. Wonder (version 1.0.2), Kirby’s Dream Buffet (version 1.0.0a), Kirby Star Allies (version 4.0.0a), Super Mario 3D All-Stars (version 1.1.2), Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (version 2.2.1), Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain (version 1.2.0), and ARMS (version 5.51), among others.

All of these updates revolve around giving these games improved performance for the new console over how they ran on the original Switch. Along with performance boosts, quite a few games are also getting access to new features, including GameShare and even support for HDR displays.

The Switch 2 will be hitting store shelves on June 5.

Patch notes for Nintendo Switch games to run on Switch 2:

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, the voice content will use the language you select in the in-game options.
• Added support for the Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo, and Riju amiibo.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, the voice content will use the language you select in the in-game options.
• Added support for the Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo, and Riju amiibo.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Version 1.8.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, if you select the Match System Settings option in the game, the voice content will use English.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added support for the Portuguese (Brazil) system language setting.
• Because Portuguese is not a supported voice language, if you select the Match System Settings option in the game, the voice content will use English.
• Several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe – Version 1.1.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Partially alleviated an issue that occurs when playing on Nintendo Switch 2 where the entire screen flickers during some scenes in the game, such as when a day starts and ends.
• We will be releasing an update in the near feature to fix this completely.
• Note: An update addressing the problem above has not been distributed for “Pikmin 3 Deluxe Demo ver.” However, we plan to perform the same fix as the full game in a future update.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Version 1.0.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.

Kirby’s Dream Buffet – Version 1.0.0a

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The version number in the lower right of the software title screen is still Ver. 1.0.0. The version number displayed in the software menu on the HOME Screen will display 1.0.0a if the update is applied.

Kirby Star Allies – Version 4.0.0a

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The version number in the lower right of the software title screen is still Ver. 4.0.0. The version number displayed in the software menu on the HOME Screen will display 4.0.0a if the update is applied.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Version 1.1.2

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Note: The software update is required to play on Nintendo Switch 2.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Version 2.2.1

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.

ARMS – Version 5.51

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Frame rate: Optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement (even when playing with 3 or more players). Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• *Compatible with Ver. 5.4.1 for “local communication” and “LAN play”. Not compatible with Ver. 5.4.0 or earlier for “local communication” and “LAN play”. Please be aware of the versions of each other’s update data.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added support for GameShare.
• Party Mode content can be played with up to 4 users.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “GameShare” on the mode selection screen after launching the software. They can then choose to use GameShare with Local Users or with GameChat members.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• Two people can play all the courses, and each person can have their own unique display that is easier to see.
• The person sharing can press the – button on the title screen or course select screen or go to “Partner Adventure” in the pause menu and select “GameShare + Local Play” or “GameShare + GameChat.”

Club House Games: 51 Worldwide Classics – Version 2.0.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Added Korean as a supported language.
• Added support for GameShare:
• You can play 34 kinds of games with up to 4 players.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “GameShare” from the main menu, then “Via GameChat” or “Play With Local Users”.
  The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch:

General

• Added Korean as a supported language.
• Several other adjustments and revisions have been made to improve the gameplay experience.
• Note: Update data with the above content will also be distributed for the demo “Clubhouse Games: Guest Pass” as Ver. 2.0.0d.

Game Builder Garage – Version 1.1.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Added support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. Up to 8 Joy-Con 2 can be used. (As up to now, 1 USB mouse can be used, as well.)
• As a result of improved processing speed, there may be some changes in behavior in games that were made previously on Nintendo Switch.
• Note: An update is also available for the Game Builder Garage Demo version to support the content above (Ver. 1.1.0).

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – Version 1.2.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• Frame rate: Optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser’s Fury).
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness (Bowser’s Fury only). Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• You can play “Super Mario 3D World” with up to four people. Press R on the course select screen for “Local/Online,” and then choose “GameShare + Local Users” or “GameShare + GameChat.”
• In “Bowser’s Fury,” two players can play, with one controlling Mario while the other controls Bowser Jr. Once you can control Mario, press the + button to open “Menu,” and then choose “Local/Online,” and then choose “GameShare + Local Users” or “GameShare + GameChat.”
• Note: Does have local user compatibility with Ver. 1.1.0. Does not have local user compatibility with Ver. 1.0.0. Please be careful of the update version on each player’s system.

Super Mario Odyssey – Version 1.4.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved image contrast and brightness. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
• Added support for GameShare.
• Two players can play, with one controlling Mario while the other controls Cappy.
• The user who will host the GameShare session should select “Resume 2P” on the title screen or “Two Players” on the Pause menu, then select “GameShare + Local Play” or “GameShare + GameChat”.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – Version 1.1.0

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

General

• Visuals: Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality. Note: HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.

SILENT HILL HD COLLECTION

Never has there been a more infuriating example of a remaster that completely misses the point of what makes the original game so good. Silent Hill has always been all about the atmosphere, and the visual changes made in the HD Collection did everything in their power to completely destroy that, from the almost complete removal of something as crucial to the experience as the mist to the baffling lack of improvements made to character models, objects, and environments.

This will mimic the controls seen in the original Nintendo 64 release, which is good. The bad news is that the button displays in-game won’t reflect the controller. Furthermore, you need to be a Nintendo Switch Online member to even take advantage of this in the first place.

All of this will be moot for some players seeing as the Nintendo 64 controller is likely sold out and Super Mario 3D All-Stars can no longer be purchased. But for those who do own both, it’s a nice bonus. For more details on Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which also includes ports of Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy for the Switch, check out our review here.

Ver. 1.1.1 (Released November 3, 2021)

General

• Super Mario 64 now supports the Nintendo Switch Online member exclusive Nintendo 64 Controller (sold separately). Players can now play this title using the same controls as found in the original Nintendo 64 release.
• All button displays within Super Mario 64 will not reflect the Nintendo 64 controller.

Destiny 2’s Armor Synthesis

Bungie is no stranger to cash-grab attempts with its Destiny franchise, utilizing FOMO and other tactics to push its seasonal content and microtransactions. Armor Synthesis aka transmog is the most recent example. Since it allows for having the cosmetic appearance of different armor while maintaining one’s stats, transmog is an oft-sought feature in looters and action RPGs. Fans clamored for a long time to see it in Destiny and Bungie finally delivered. See, Armor Synthesis doesn’t simply let you equip any armor piece’s appearance like, say, an ornament. No, you needed to earn Synthstrand first, which is acquired by killing enemies (and was actually revealed to be influenced more by time – regardless of whether you killed one foe or a dozen, you’d earn the same amount each minute). This is then turned into Ada-1 to purchase bounties, which must then be completed to earn Synthchord. When you get Synthchord, you’re permitted transmog currency for ONE armor piece with a cap of 10 pieces or two full armor sets every season. Of course, you could break that cap…by spending real money.

It’s fairly obvious that the Armor Synthesis grind is a means to inflate playtime and turn a quality of life feature into a chore. But capping the amount of Synthchord, simply for the purpose of selling more to earn a quick buck, is just a cash grab, plain and simple. Bungie is removing the Synthstrand requirement when the next season launches in August so it’s somewhat less awful at least.

So when the Switch OLED was finally revealed with its built-in LAN report, new wide and adjustable back-stand, 64 GB internal storage and 7 inch screen, the lack of mention for any performance improvements was sobering. Nintendo further confirmed that the console didn’t have a new CPU or more RAM, remaining pretty much the same as its predecessor.

A more powerful Switch has been one of the bigger demands from fans over the years. It was obvious before the console’s launch that it was nowhere near as powerful as the Xbox One or PS4, let-alone their upgraded counterparts. The games were and continue to be top-notch and Nintendo still has plenty of exciting projects on the way, be it Metroid Dread or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s sequel. One could compare this upgrade to Apple’s latest iteration of the iPhone or iPad, except more than four years later and with nowhere near the amount of substantial changes.

That being said, it makes perfect sense why Nintendo went this route. Take a quick peek at the Switch hardware sales – it’s sold over 84.5 million units worldwide as of May 2021 and regularly tops hardware sales in the United States, Europe and Japan. It’s still receiving strong software support and Nintendo has only just hit its stride with regards to indie offerings. A refresh, no matter how minor, is easy money for the company.

Nevertheless, it leaves a bad taste for multiple reasons. When Super Mario 3D All-Stars was released and touted to be available for a limited time to purchase, the ensuing FOMO helped it sell 9.01 million copies as of March 31^st 2021. Given the minimal changes made to the ports, it was a great way for Nintendo to artificially push demand and earn heaps of revenue. Titles like Metroid Dread and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD have accompanying amiibos which grant actual in-game benefits. Both titles are likely going to sell well so why not earn a little more on the side from amiibo sales? It makes sense, even if it is kind of shady.

The Nintendo Switch OLED is in the same boat especially when since the base Switch model isn’t getting a price reduction. It’s a pretty ingenuous strategy – the question isn’t whether the OLED model is worth $50 more or not but why you’d continue to pay for the same hardware when you could get it with a few new bells and whistles for a little extra. It’s the embodiment of The Simpsons’ “But she’s got a new hat!” moment.

Some fans may argue that this is par for the course for Nintendo which released several iterations of its handhelds over the years. Back in the day, there was the Game Boy Advance SP with a rechargeable battery and back-lit display…and then Nintendo released the AGS-101 model, which was the exact same but offered two brightness settings. And who can forget the lack of a headphone jack in the GBA SP, which necessitated purchasing special headphones or an adapter for extra? The Game Boy Advance sold 81.48 million units worldwide as of June 30^th 2009 and the GBA SP made up more than half that number so again, great business sense from Nintendo.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the Nintendo DSi was a significant improvement over the regular DS and released four years after the base model. It had a better processor, four times as much RAM and more storage. The New Nintendo 3DS followed roughly the same pattern, releasing more than four years later in the US after the base version and having a significantly better processor and more RAM. We’ll come back to this in a bit but both handheld lines were very successful, selling tens of millions of units.

As for the Switch OLED, things get even more intriguing when you consider the rumored Switch Pro. It’s apparently still a thing, completely separate from the Switch OLED. VentureBeat’s Jeff Grubb has been hearing that it will release in 2022 and have a more “efficient chip.” Dr. Serkan Toto believes that the new model appears more like “an interim model” than a proper upgrade. “This might just be a dummy upgrade until Breath Of The Wild 2 is ready and the component shortage is over next year,” he said on Twitter. One may dismiss any rumors about the Switch Pro at this point but this does make the most sense given how recent events have impacted the world over the past year.

You could argue that expectations for the Switch OLED are mismanaged because of the rumors – Nintendo never said it was working on a more powerful Switch so why should people be upset? It’s never been one to compete with the likes of Sony and Microsoft in terms of power. But if you look back on the history of the Nintendo DS and 3DS, it absolutely has offered more powerful hardware with its refreshes. Given the number of different models for both handhelds, whether its Lite versions, XL version, “New” versions, the Switch’s release pattern becomes a bit familiar.

Granted, Nintendo hasn’t released a major hardware refresh only one year after a minor one – even the New Nintendo 3DS launched three years after the 3DS XL and two years after the 2DS in the US. Maybe it wanted to launch the Switch Pro alongside the Switch OLED this year itself but component shortages forced a delay.

Taking all this into account, the Switch OLED will release this year, make a lot of money – both off of current Switch owners and new ones – and then Nintendo could roll out the Switch Pro next year for even more returns. One could also see the older Switch slowly being phased out while $350 becomes the new entry – a price reduction could happen but looks very unlikely at this point. Again, it’s the best scenario business-wise but from a consumer point-of-view, charging for a new Switch model this year and then again next year for the Switch Pro feels kind of scummy.

At any rate, even if a proper Switch Pro isn’t in the works, the Switch OLED indicates that Nintendo is more than happy for fans to pay for the same performance they’ve been experiencing since 2017. It’s also satisfied with the current status quo where some titles struggle to maintain a solid frame rate or offer resolutions higher than 900p (and in some cases, 720p). When it’s worked out so well in terms of sales, you have to just ask: Why not? Nevertheless, looking at the heated discussions about cross-gen titles and when games on the Xbox Series X and PS5 will start having those “next-gen visuals”, it’s funny to see Nintendo firmly planted in the previous generation, proudly boasting about its new hat.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Nintendo’s most recent big release for the Switch, was always expected to sell well, not just because it’s a Mario game, but also because it’s a really good game. In their recent quarterly financial report, they announced the sales figure for the expanded re-release of the platformer.

As of March 31, 2021, which is just six weeks after the game’s launch, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury has sold 5.59 million units worldwide. Ridiculously enough, it’s already almost matched the sales of Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U, which launched back in 2013, and has sold a little over 5.8 million units.

Meanwhile, Super Mario 3D All-Stars’ total sales stand at 9.01 million units, and the number is unlikely to go up by too much, seeing as its limited time nature means it’s no longer being sold. Paper Mario: The Origami King’s sales are at 3.12 million, and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is at 1.27 million units.

Ring Fit Adventure also continues to sell, with total sales at 10.11 million, while Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has sold a total of 3.07 million units.

The latest Gfk Chart-Track sales are in and it’s no surprise that Monster Hunter Rise has topped the charts in the UK. It’s the second biggest launch for the series in UK history, despite sales being 43 percent less than Monster Hunter World (which launched on two platforms instead of one). Sales are twice that of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate on the Nintendo 3DS though.

Of course, it’s also no surprise that sales for Super Mario 3D All-Stars surged by 276 percent week-on-week. The reason is that it’s being delisting after March 31st (which extends to the Nintendo eShop). Combine this with Nintendo reminding consumers of the same just last week and the sales increase makes sense.

Other noteworthy results for the week ending March 27th include Animal Crossing: New Horizons dropping to third place even with sales increasing by 11 percent. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury dropped from second to fourth place with sales increasing by 1 percent. Check out the full top ten list below.

1. Monster Hunter Rise
2. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
4. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
5. Minecraft Dungeons
6. Minecraft (Switch)
7. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
8. FIFA 21
9. Luigi’s Mansion 3
10. Super Mario Odyssey

Last year saw the re-release of three classic Mario games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. The collection sold well right off the bat and has hopefully exposed more people to these games, or given people a chance to go back. However, as you may remember, the game isn’t much longer for this world, which Nintendo wants you to remember.

Nintendo posted a new PSA to remind people that the game will be delisted at the end of the month. That means it will be removed from the eShop to purchase (though you can download it again if you purchased it in the past, of course) and that no other physical copies will be sent to retailers. This is actually the second time Nintendo has reminded people the collection is about to get the axe this month.

How difficult the game will be to find after March 31st is anyone’s guess. Considering the strong sales, used copies will probably not be that hard to come by, but if you want a new copy or the game digitally, you have until March 31st to get it.

The amount of PS5 stock in the UK has improved over the past month and a half. As a result, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales has topped Gfk’s physical sales charts in the region with sales increasing 36 percent week-on-week. This will the first time it’s topped UK charts since launching in November 2020.

Though available on PS4, Insomniac’s latest is currently the best-selling launch title for the PS5 with regards to physical sales. About 90 percent of its sales for the past week were on PS5 as well. Meanwhile, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury has dropped to second place after being on top for four weeks straight. Sales dropped by 15 percent week-on-week.

Otherwise, it’s business as usual with Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remaining in third and fourth place respectively. Minecraft on Switch went from eighth to fifth place while Super Mario 3D All-Stars dropped to ninth from sixth place. Check out the Gfk’s top ten best for the week ending March 13th below.

1. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
5. Minecraft (Switch)
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
7. Grand Theft Auto 5
8. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
9. Super Mario 3D All-Stars
10. Ring Fit Adventure

Over the last few months, Nintendo have released multiple games in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario. Among those, Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Bros. 35 have been at the centre of some startling decisions, with Nintendo releasing both as limited time releases, both physically and digitally, until the end of March 2021.

We are now officially in March, and with the time for both games being taken offline approaching, many are hoping that Nintendo will change its mind. It seems, however, that that won’t be happening. Nintendo recently took to Twitter via its official account to reiterate that “sales and services” for both games will be ending as soon as this month is over.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars has been selling extremely well, while Super Mario Bros. 35 is a download-only game that is available for free for all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The limited-time nature of both games has been pretty baffling for everyone, though Nintendo have stuck to their decision since it was first announced. Either way, both are still going to be available for a little under a month still (and owners of 3D All-Stars will, of course, be able to keep playing the game even afterward).

「スーパーマリオブラザーズ35周年」のキャンペーンは2021年3月末をもって終了します。キャンペーンの終了にともない、一部商品の生産・販売・サービスも終了します。くわしくはこちらをご覧ください。#スーパーマリオ35周年https://t.co/37dTGdpJkP

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) March 1, 2021