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.

That, however, no longer seems to be the case. Spotted by Automaton Media, an update to Monolith Soft’s website now confirms that 100 percent of the studio’s shares are now owned by Nintendo. Of course, functionally, this won’t make much difference, since Nintendo already had full control over the studio anyway, though on paper, Monolith Soft is now entirely in Nintendo’s ownership.

The studio’s next release is Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, which is due out for the Nintendo Switch in March. What Monolith Soft’s next big game will be is currently unknown, though with Nintendo’s next-gen console presumably launching in 2025, one would hope that the studio’s next title will be unveiled for it in the not-too-distant future.

Outlined in its Q2 fiscal year 2025 financial results and corporate management policy briefing, president Shuntaro Furukawa discussed how the series performed on the Nintendo Switch compared to the Wii U and 3DS. Alongside Xenoblade Chronicles, franchises like Pikmin, Kirby and Metroid have seen “dramatic sales growth.”

Granted, only Xenoblade Chronicles 1 is available on the Nintendo 3DS, and we don’t know how each title has performed individually. As of December 2022, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition sold 1.88 million, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 sales totalled 2.7 million (not including the DLC, Torna – The Golden Country). Xenoblade Chronicles 3, meanwhile, sold 1.86 million as of March 2023.

The series should see another significant bump on the Switch, with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launching on March 20th, 2025. Stay tuned for more details on its improvements and new content in the coming months.

It still has some way to go before catching up with Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which is currently at 6.46 million units sold. Bayonetta 3 has sold 1.07 million since launching in October 2022, while Splatoon 3 is at 10.67 million in sales. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has sold 1.86 million and Pokemon Legends: Arceus has sold 14.83 million.

Mario titles have done very well, with Luigi’s Mansion 3 at 12.82 million, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury selling 11.38 million units, and Mario Party Superstars hitting 10.17 million sold. Mario Strikers: Battle League is the only exception, with 2.54 million sold thus far. Overall, Nintendo has sold a whopping 1,036.15 million Switch titles to date.

Of course, some will recognize the threat of Moebius against the world and how those in Swordmarch struggle to oppose them. Other characters who join the two include Shulk and Rex from Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2, as they battle against familiar foes like Z and N. There are also new mechanics like Union Combos and classes like the Monado Fencer.

If it’s anything like Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed should be a meaty new expansion for players with new side quests, enemies, bosses, and more. Head here for more details on Ouroboros and here for other new characters like Nikol and Glimmer. Stay tuned for future updates.

A new story scenario arrives in #XenobladeChronicles3: Future Redeemed. Join a new cast of characters and discover newly-added systems like Union Combos and Affinity Goals.

Wave 4 of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass is available now!https://t.co/q8PLeZgHBG https://t.co/6RmDpF24zS pic.twitter.com/YQe3cwjwt8

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 26, 2023

Her Talent Art is Total Destruction – when active, it deals damage to enemies that ignores defenses and reduces damage to the party. Glimmer is a Healer whose class seems to be called “Flame Performer.” Her staff is also a musical instrument, with the songs providing buffs to party members. When Roaring Flame Heaven Performance, her Talent Art, hits enemies, allies recover health.

A recent clip also showcased some Chain Attack gameplay, showcasing the TP of characters like Rex and Shulk. The Union Combo, a new double-team attack, can end the Chain Attack and deal massive damage. Stay tuned for more details on the expansion en route to its launch.

ニコルのクラスは「マシニスト」。武器は「ヴァリアブルバックパック」。可変型の武器を駆使するディフェンダーで、攻撃ガード時に様々な効果を発動しますも。「トータルデストラクション」は敵に防御力無視のダメージを与え、アーツ実行中は被ダメージが下がりますも。#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/t03bjaxxTG

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 21, 2023

カギロイのクラスは「奏炎士」。武器は「奏杖・天火明」。音を奏でて味方を回復支援するヒーラー。旋律により様々な支援効果を発揮できますも。タレントアーツ「烈火轟天の奏」は、アーツヒット時に味方全体のHPを回復しますも。回復はカギロイにおまかせですも！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/C84IHsoTe8

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 21, 2023

チェインアタックは、パーティ全員で戦う強力な技ですも！チェインアタック中に、ユニオンを構成するキャラ2人のオーダーをどちらも達成すると「ユニオンオーダー」が提示されますも。実行すると、チェインアタック終了と引き換えに、ユニオンの必殺技を放てますも！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/onj1D31Hkt

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 24, 2023

Several new details and gameplay clips have been shared on the XenobladeJP Twitter, outlining what players can expect (translations via DeepL). The usual arrangement of Attackers, Defenders and Healers remains. Characters can use Ouroboros Power, stronger than regular Arts, and fuse it with other Arts for more effects.

There’s also the new Union Combo, which sees two characters combining their abilities in one attack. It’s performed by using a Special Move on a “Rising Enemy,” and using Arts will regen Special Moves quicker. You can trigger effects like Smash, Burst or Blow, depending on the characters used. They’ll also get an Awakening Buff, encouraging even more aggression.

We also see a new character, Godou, and his grandchildren, Matthew and Na’el. Matthew is a Martial Artist who uses the Ouroboros Knuckle as an Attacker. His Talent Art is Gigantic Beat, which recovers 50 percent of all Arts cast if it hits. There’s also Ai, a Monado Fencer who wields, well, the Mondao.

She’s an offensive Healer who uses the Talent Art, Vision, to stop attacks on the party or unleash Vanishing End to strike all enemies. Another tweet shows a familiar location that Matthew and his friends are running through.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed launches on April 25th for Nintendo Switch. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

『ゼノブレイド3』本編同様に、キャラクターごとに異なるアタッカー、ディフェンダー、ヒーラーの役割が重要となるバトルですも。様々な効果を持った強力な技「アーツ」を駆使して戦いますも。#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/585QfN9xfO

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

通常のアーツより強力な「ウロボロスパワー」は、左側にセットして、ほかのアーツと「融合」させることができ、さまざまな追加効果を得ることができますも。得られる効果はウロボロスパワーとアーツの組み合わせによって異なりますも。オーラのようなものが見えますも…？#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/xtmxc97MYm

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

2人の力を合わせ「ユニオンコンボ」と呼ばれる必殺技を繰り出すことができますも。ライジング状態のエネミーに必殺技を実行することで、ユニオンコンボを発生させることができますも。必殺技のリキャストは、アーツを使うことで増えますも。#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/u3t5zV7dgi

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

ユニオンコンボは、2人の組み合わせによって異なり、ダメージや範囲などに違いがありますも。また「スマッシュ」「バースト」「ブロー」のいずれかを必ず発生させますも。さらに実行したキャラ2人には「覚醒」バフがつくから、積極的に狙いますも～！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/IYIrxqykHz

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

ゴンドウは、マシューとナエル、2人の孫の育成に力を入れていたみたいですも。って戦うんですも…！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/P30Pp4WDJw

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

マシューのクラスは「マーシャルアーティスト」。武器は「ウロボロスナックル」。超連打で畳みかける格闘「アタッカー」で、敵に攻撃の暇も与えず粉砕しますも！タレントアーツ「ギガンティックビート」は、ヒット時に全アーツのリキャストが50％回復しますも。#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/tYUpzaRTQN

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

エイのクラスは「モナドフェンサー」。武器は「モナド」。鋭い斬撃で敵を追い詰める攻撃型のヒーラーですも！タレントアーツ「ビジョン」は、パーティへの攻撃を一定時間無効化しますも。「ビジョン」中に、敵全体を攻撃する「バニシングエンド」が放てますも！#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/8vfD1Doip4

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

アイオニオンをマシューたちが走りましたも！ここは何地方ですも…？#ゼノブレイド3 #新たなる未来 pic.twitter.com/DNSeR1S1KD

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 20, 2023

Tying all three games together, it features a new story set before the third game with new heroes and some familiar figures (with Shulk and Rex from Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2 already teased). It also adds new mechanics, like the Unity Combo, allowing two characters to strike together.

Nintendo has also announced new Noah and Mio amiibo figures, with more details later. In the meantime, a two-pack amiibo bundle with Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will release on July 21st. Scanning Pyra changes Noah’s sword to resemble her Aegis Sword, while Mythra gives it the appearance of her Aegis Sword

Fans who can’t get the amiibos shouldn’t worry, as a patch will release later to unlock the skins for all players (after fulfilling a condition, of course). Stay tuned for more details on Future Redeemed in the coming week. Listen to the sweet battle theme below in the meantime.

Nintendo recently announced via the official Japanese Twitter page for Xenoblade that Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s official soundtrack will be launching on July 29 for those who purchase its Limited Edition, with its regular version set to release shortly afterward on August 2. Interestingly, in addition to music from the base game itself, the OST is also set to include music from the game’s as-of-yet unreleased expansion, leading to speculation that said expansion will likely release before then.

Back when it was first announced, the story DLC wasn’t given a specific release timeframe, with Nintendo instead saying that it would be out sometime before the end of 2023. If, however, its music is going to be included in the OST when it launches in July, one would imagine the DLC itself will have been out by that time.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will also be a year old in July, so that might be an appropriate time to release its final wave of DLC content. Hopefully we’ll have more clarity on this from Nintendo and Monolith Soft in the near future. Stay tuned until then for more details.

［おしらせ］『ゼノブレイド3 オリジナル・サウンドトラック』「完全生産限定盤」が7月29日に発売決定。聖神の笛（ノアの笛）・祈神の笛（ミオの笛）ミニレプリカや、80Pブックレット付き。現在予約受付中です。予約受付期間は4/30（日）23:59までとなります。#ゼノブレイド3https://t.co/OolJiO35GI pic.twitter.com/jW5GfVLC5q

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) April 4, 2023

The new character joining the group is Masha, the self-proclaimed Lapidarist extraordinaire. Masha can make use of special ore to craft accessories that can benefit your party in various ways.

The Challenge Battles coming to the game as part of the expansion pass feature roguelike elements. Players select a single character to then take on wave after wave of progressively more powerful enemies. Every victory gets the player new heroes and special abilities. Players can also earn special in-game outfits as rewards for succeeding in Challenge Battles.

Nintendo also gave us a glimpse of what we can expect in volume 4 of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion pass, which seems to be much more story-focused.