Several Nintendo Switch games will be getting free performance updates on the Switch 2, and if there’s one game that really needs an upgrade, it’s definitely Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Early footage of the Switch 2 edition running at 60fps looks promising so far, and if you’ve been looking to start an adventure in the Paldean region, now is a good time to grab the collect-’em-all game for the new Nintendo console.
While Pokemon Scarlet and Violet did have its fair share of technical issues on Switch, the Switch 2 version will offer a higher frame rate and a larger draw distance alongside other much-needed tweaks. With those issues hopefully addressed, this should allow the game to shine and emerge as one of the best Pokemon experiences out there, as it offers a lot of fun. All the basics of a Pokemon experience are covered here, from a vast world full of unique Pokemon to the pursuit of Pokemon League glory, and for longtime fans of the series, the quality-of-life updates are very welcome.
$48 at Walmart | $52 at Amazon (was $60)
Like previous Pokemon game releases, there are some distinct differences between the Scarlet and Violet Pokemon games. Each one has version-exclusive Pokemon, different lore, outfits, and even version-exclusive outfits. For Pokemon Scarlet, the unique Legendary Pokemon is Koraidon, and some of the Pokemon that you won’t find in Pokemon Violet include Armarouge, Stonjourner, and Oranguru. Several Paradox Pokemon are also exclusive to this game’s endgame location, Area Zero, but you can trade for them with owners of Pokemon Violet.
You can get Pokemon Scarlet for $48 at Walmart or $52 at Amazon. Both of these deals are sold by third-party resellers and fulfilled by Amazon/Walmart.
$49.50 at Walmart | $50 at Amazon (was $60)
For Pokemon Violet, version-exclusive Pokemon include Ceruledge, Bagon, and Misdreavus. Your Leegndary Pokemon you encounter in the game is also different, as instead of Koraidon, you’ll befriend Moraidon. Another noticeable difference between the games is the overall theme, as Pokemon Violet leans harder into sci-fi ideas, whereas Pokemon Scarlet adopts a prehistoric motif.
Just like with Scarlet, you can save around 10 bucks on Pokemon Violet at Amazon or Walmart.
$105 (was $120)
Don’t feel like trading with other people? Then you can get both Pokemon games inside of a single bundle. Of course, this does mean that you’ll need to play through the game twice, but no one said that catching ’em all was going to be easy!
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Double Pack is up for grabs for $105 (was $120) at Walmart. Note: This deal is shipped and sold by a third-party reseller–designated by Walmart as a “Pro Seller”–with positive customer ratings.
Beyond Scarlet and Violet, 10 other Switch classics will also be optimized for the Switch 2 via free updates, but Nintendo has only provided a small number of details on what these upgrades entail. In general, most of the games on this list will look better on high-resolution TV screens and several of them will have improved frame rates.
Some of the games listed below will also be updated with GameShare functionality, which means that you can share supported games with friends and family, even if they don’t own that title. Here’s the full list, and links for where you can buy them at the best price.
Arms
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- Frame rate optimized for Nintendo Switch 2 for smoother movement
- HDR support
Where to buy
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain
GameShare support
- Up to four people can play in Party Mode
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Where to buy
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Updates
- Visuals ptimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- HDR support
GameShare support
- Two people can play all of the courses
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Where to buy
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
GameShare support
- Up to four people can play 34 games
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Where to buy
Game Builder Garage
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
- Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
Where to buy
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
- Supports Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
Where to buy
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- Frame rate optimized for smoother movement on Nintendo Switch 2 (including Bowser’s Fury)
- HDR support (Bowser’s Fury only)
GameShare support
- Up to four people can play Super Mario 3D World
- In Bowser’s Fury, two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Bowser Jr.
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Where to buy
Super Mario Odyssey
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- HDR support
GameShare support
- Two people can play together, with one player controlling Mario and the other controlling Cappy
- Share locally or share online via GameChat
Where to buy
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- HDR support
Where to buy
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Updates
- Visuals optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs
- HDR support
Where to buy
