Nintendo Switch 2: Are $10 Game Upgrades the New Norm? Hogwarts Legacy & More Charge for Enhanced Features

Get ready to open your wallets, Nintendo Switch gamers. As the anticipated Switch 2 launch in June draws near, a trend is emerging: next-gen upgrade fees. Several publishers are now requiring a $10 fee to unlock enhanced versions of existing Switch games for the new console.

The move is raising eyebrows and sparking debate among players. What exactly are you paying for with these upgrades?

For first-party Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the benefits are relatively clear. According to reports, the $10 upgrade unlocks additional story logs, achievements, and daily stat bonuses for Link. Super Mario Party Jamboree is slated for new modes, while Kirby and the Forgotten Land will get a DLC expansion—though these upgrades come at a higher $20 price point.

While some may question the exclusivity of this content to the Switch 2 versions, at least the value proposition is apparent. However, the waters become murkier with third-party games.

Hogwarts Legacy owners on Switch have reportedly encountered a $10 upgrade option in the eShop for the Switch 2 version. A similar option is already listed for Civilization 7. What exactly are these upgrades offering?

According to Warner Bros. Games, the Hogwarts Legacy upgrade pack grants players DLSS support, eliminates load screens in the open world, speeds up broom flying, provides 1080p resolution in handheld mode, and enables mouse controls. Similarly, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma players will require the upgrade pack for improved frame rates and mouse controls. Civ 7's Switch 2 version will feature larger maps, higher player counts in multiplayer, and GameChat.

While backwards compatibility allows players to enjoy Switch 1 versions on their new Switch 2, the less-than-stellar performance of some games on the original hardware may incentivize upgrades. Keep in mind that Nintendo has stated Switch 2 requires software emulation for backwards compatibility, making improved versions more appealing.

However, not all games are following this trend. Sonic X Shadow: Generations will be priced the same on Switch 2 as it was on Switch 1. Unfortunately, publisher Sega has confirmed there will be no upgrade path between the two versions.

Gamers have faced similar situations before, such as the price jump from $60 to $70 between PlayStation 4/Xbox One and PS5/Xbox Series X/S. Some companies, like Sony, initially offered free PS5 upgrades for their games before eventually introducing paid upgrades with added features. Third-party games like Borderlands 3 and No Man’s Sky have offered free next-gen upgrades, setting a positive example.

Will more Switch 2 game developers offer free upgrades? For now, it seems a $10 fee is becoming the standard. Could Nintendo extend this to other back catalog titles like Splatoon 3, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Super Mario Odyssey? Only time will tell. Are you ready to pay extra for enhanced versions of games like Mortal Kombat 1 or Doom (2016) without those dreaded load times?

The introduction of upgrade fees on the Nintendo Switch 2 raises questions about the value of these enhancements and the future of cross-generation game releases. As the launch date approaches, keep an eye out for more details on specific game upgrade paths.

What are your thoughts on these $10 upgrade fees? Share your opinions in the comments below!