In the first announcement video for the Nintendo Switch 2, it was revealed that Nintendo Switch games would be playable on the Switch 2, confirming backward compatibility. As we learned from the latest Direct, the Virtual Game Card page used the term Switch 2 Enhanced Games. Based on our expectations, we hope that Switch games will be playable at a more advanced level on the Switch 2. Additionally, a 60 FPS mode was found in the files of Xenoblade Chronicles X.
As the Retro Palmetto team, we’ve put together a list of games we’d love to see upgraded on the Switch:
10. Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread already delivers a solid 60 FPS experience in docked mode, but it drops to 30 FPS in handheld mode. Given the intense boss fights, fast-paced exploration, and fluid animations that define the Metroid series, a consistent 60 FPS in both modes would provide a far more polished and immersive experience. Enhanced resolution and textures would further refine one of the greatest entries in the Metroid series.
9. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is visually stunning, with charming animations, detailed indoor environments, and a delightful sense of atmosphere. While the game runs at a stable 30 FPS, a 60 FPS upgrade would make the ghost-catching experience feel even smoother. Enhanced lighting and improved reflections would elevate the spooky atmosphere, making Luigi’s haunted adventures even more captivating.
8. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
(One of our editors, Kaan, grabbed the Switch version of Paper Mario from our collection and is actively playing it during his trip. We’ll update the image once he returns it! :)
Paper Mario The Thousand-Year Door is already a fan-favorite RPG and the best Mario RPG ever made that thrives on its whimsical art style and engaging turn-based combat. However, with its charming 2D paper aesthetic and detailed environments, a Switch 2 upgrade would significantly improve its performance. A stable 60 FPS would make the environments and character animations even more vibrant, while smoother gameplay would enhance the experience for new and returning players.
7. Pokémon Legends Arceus
The Pokémon series has suffered from numerous technical issues throughout the Switch era. Despite providing innovative gameplay and exploration, both Pokémon Legends Arceus were plagued by severe performance issues, including frame drops, pop-ins, and visual glitches. A Switch 2 upgrade could fix these issues by delivering a stable 60 FPS, improved draw distance, and better asset loading. Enhanced performance would make exploring the Pokémon world and engaging in battles far smoother and more immersive.
6. Fire Emblem Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses, one of Nintendo’s greatest strategy RPGs, manages 30 FPS well due to its turn-based nature. However, the real-time exploration and emotional cutscenes that focus heavily on character dynamics would benefit greatly from a 60 FPS boost. Improved resolution and textures would breathe new life into the Garreg Mach Monastery and its surroundings, making the world and its characters feel even more alive.
5. Astral Chain
Astral Chain, PlatinumGames’ hidden gem and one of the best action exclusives on the Switch, deserves a Switch 2 enhancement. Its unique dual-character combat and futuristic world would benefit tremendously from a stable 60 FPS and higher resolution, especially in handheld mode. Smoother frame rates would enhance chain attacks and boss fights, making the already intense gameplay feel even more precise and responsive.
4. Dragon Quest XI S Echoes of an Elusive Age
One of the greatest JRPGs ever made, Dragon Quest XI already runs at a stable 30 FPS on the Switch. However, with its gorgeous environments, fluid animations, and highly detailed cities, a Switch 2 upgrade could push it to the next level. A locked 60 FPS along with improved draw distance and higher resolution textures would make exploring Erdrea even more magical. Until Dragon Quest XII arrives, revisiting this beloved RPG with enhanced performance would be an absolute treat.
3. Bayonetta 2 & 3
PlatinumGames’ well-known iconic hack-and-slash series, Bayonetta, is known for its stylish, fast-paced combat that pushes the limits of the Switch’s hardware. Both Bayonetta 2 and Bayonetta 3 suffer from occasional frame rate dips during chaotic scenes. A stable 60 FPS would make the experience far smoother, allowing players to fully enjoy the complex combos and witch powers. With upgraded visuals and consistent performance, Bayonetta’s stylish action would shine even brighter.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 & Xenoblade Chronicles X
Monolith Soft has been one of the most impressive developers during the Switch era, not just in terms of gameplay and content but also in delivering solid technical performance on limited hardware. Despite offering vast open worlds filled with diverse enemies and environments while maintaining a stable 30 FPS, both Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X deserve a 60 FPS boost on Switch 2. Enhanced draw distance and improved textures would make these massive worlds feel even more alive. Xenoblade X, in particular, deserves a second chance with polished visuals and faster loading times.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom & Breath of the Wild
Two of Nintendo’s greatest masterpieces, Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, offered us incredible adventures with rich environments, a spectacular physics engine, and intricate details. However, both games suffer from occasional frame drops, especially in crowded areas like the Lost Woods or during chaotic combat scenes with explosions and multiple enemies. A Switch 2 upgrade could deliver a consistent 60 FPS in both docked and handheld modes, making these masterpieces smoother and more immersive. The enhanced frame rate and resolution would elevate exploration and combat, giving us the ultimate Zelda experience one more time.
