Resident Evil (2002)

The original Resident Evil was a groundbreaking title, mixing together survival and horror in a way that was never seen before. The PlayStation version was a product of its time, and the developer remastered it for the GameCube generation with a significant overhaul to its visuals and several quality-of-life changes. The fixed camera angles meant better pre-baked reflections and textures, making the visuals a step above what was possible with a free camera.

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.

Nintendo has revealed a list of first-party Switch 1 games that are going to get free updates that will apply smaller-scale enhancements for when they’re played on a Switch 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom are both included in that list. Both titles will add HDR support as well as visual optimizations and improved picture quality, Nintendo says. You will, of course, need an HDR-compatible display when you’re playing in console mode.

The company has also confirmed that similar free Switch 2 enhancements will roll out on the console’s launch day for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World, and others.

The list is as follows:

• ARMS
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

The updates in question “may” improve performance or implement GameShare, but as Nintendo notes, the content varies from game to game. So if the fidelity of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet isn’t up to snuff, try not to be too disappointed.

Of course, it’s possible that Nintendo could release updates for additional titles in the future. Time will tell, so stay tuned.

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5th for $449.99. Launch titles include Mario Kart World (which costs an eye-watering $79.99 digitally), Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and much more.

Shared by GamesIndustry’s Christopher Dring on Twitter, as per weekly data for physical software sales in the UK shared by the GSD, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Wisdom was the second-highest selling game in the UK last week, with EA Sports FC 25 unsurprisingly taking the top spot. These figures only account for physical sales, however.

As per Dring, the new Zelda title’s physical launch sales in the UK are 14 percent lower than 2019’s The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake – which was the last top-down Zelda title to be released by Nintendo – but as per Dring, once digital sales are also accounted for, it’s likely that the two games’ sales performances are going to be a lot closer than it may seem right now. 

In our review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, we awarded it a score of 9/10, saying, “Echoes of Wisdom is a great maiden adventure for the franchise’s eponymous princess, marrying old and new convincingly, and setting up a foundation for 2D Zelda games to thrive alongside their bigger 3D cousins.” Read the full review through here.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is available on Nintendo Switch.

Secret Ending – Gex

Gex was painfully unfunny throughout. Still, if you slogged and completed all of the hidden bonus rounds in each world, thus garnering all of the remotes, you’d gain access to Planet X. This is a fairly large world with eight levels and completing all of them will unlock a special ending. Unfortunately, it’s a bit…mixed in the “pride and accomplishment” department. It starts out with a text crawl calling you the best player in the world, universe, etc etc.

However, it gets oddly personal, asking if you have a life or just play games all day, and telling you to think about what you could have done instead of wasting time on Gex. “Go have a life,” it says, before adding “Get out of those superhero pajamas and do something.” Was this meant to be inspirational in some way? A “get your life together before it’s too late, kids” message? Regardless, you’re then treated to some concept art and the credits, which is sort of better but does little to soothe the emotional damage.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

After the Definitive Editions for Mafia 2 and Mafia 3 released with numerous issues, there was concern for Mafia: Definitive Edition especially since it’s a full-fledged remake. Fortunately, Hangar 13 has exhibited true love and care in updating the classic. The graphics have been significantly improved, especially with the new lighting engine; more story sequences have been added; and even the layout between objectives has been redesigned. So if you’ve ever wanted to experience Tommy Angelo’s rise through crime, this is the way to do it.

With good news on the hardware sales front, Nintendo also announced updated software sales numbers for its first-party Switch titles. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is still number 1 among the top selling first-party Switch titles at 22.96 million units, followed by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at 17.68 million. However, the list has some new entries with Pokemon Sword and Shield at 16.34 million and Luigi’s Mansion 3 at 5.37 million.

While such figures aren’t too surprising for Pokemon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3 achieving this within two months of launch is pretty amazing. Updated sales figures for the quarter ending December 31st include The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening selling 4.19 million units; Ring Fit Adventure at 2.17 million units; Astral Chain selling 1.03 million; and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order selling 1.02 million million. Worldwide, over 310.65 million Switch titles have been sold in the console’s lifespan.

More exclusives are set to arrive in the coming months with the likes of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. With Nintendo increasing its forecast from 18 million Switch consoles by the end of the current fiscal year to 19.5 million, it should be an interesting quarter. In the meantime, check out the 10 top selling first-party Switch titles below:

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 22.96 million
2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – 17.68 million
3. Super Mario Odyssey – 16.59 million
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 16.34 million
5. Pokemon Sword / Pokemon Shield – 16.06 million
6. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! – 11.76 million
7. Splatoon 2 – 9.82 million
8. Super Mario Party – 9.12 million
9. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – 5.85 million
10. Luigi’s Mansion 3 – 5.37 million

Subscriptions

Just to be clear, this doesn’t reference games like Final Fantasy 14 which justify the cost of their subscriptions year in and year out. No, this is referring to games that are very clearly milking their players, tying RNG rewards and other features to monthly subscriptions to tempt them to spend more money. Mario Kart Tour, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and of course, Fallout 76’s Fallout 1^st are all egregious offenders (especially Fallout 1^st since it was broken at launch).

Super Mario Party

The infamous ruiner of friendships debuts for the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Party takes the more traditional approach to the series’ formula, introducing new mini-games, some with motion controls, and a new mode called Partner Party where teams of two can work together. There’s even a mode called Toad’s Rec Room where multiple Switches can be combined for gameplay across multiple screens. Super Mario Party captures the amazing feeling of losing to never-ending nonsense, which may or may not be your definition of a good time.