Owners of a physical copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on Nintendo Switch may be able to access the Switch 2 version of the Anniversary Edition without purchasing it again digitally. While not officially documented by Bethesda or Nintendo, the method has gained attention for its clarity and for how consistently it has worked for users attempting the upgrade.
The situation primarily affects players who own Skyrim on a physical cartridge and have already purchased the Anniversary Edition upgrade on the original Switch. Under normal circumstances, transitioning to the Switch 2 version would appear to require a separate digital purchase. However, a post shared by a Reddit user outlines a process that allows the system to recognize eligibility for the enhanced version once certain data is removed and reinstalled in a specific order.
According to the guide, the key lies in unloading the virtual game card tied to the Switch 1 Anniversary Edition update. The system appears to prioritize that entitlement when it remains active, preventing the free upgrade prompt from appearing. Removing it first allows the Switch 2 version to surface as an option once the cartridge is reinserted and the game is relaunched.
The process itself is straightforward but does require attention to detail. Players are instructed to begin by opening the Virtual Game Cards menu and unloading the Anniversary Edition update from the Switch 2. Next, the physical Skyrim game card should be removed from the system. While the card is out, users should press the plus button on the Skyrim icon, navigate to Manage Software, and delete the software entirely.
Once this step is completed, the game card can be reinserted into the Switch 2. The game must then be launched, which will trigger a short download of required data. After reaching the main menu, players should see an in-game prompt offering the option to download the Switch 2 edition. Selecting this prompt begins the upgrade process at no additional cost.
While this workaround is not officially confirmed, multiple users have reported success, and the logic behind it aligns with how Nintendo handles entitlements tied to virtual and physical software. It appears that unloading the older Anniversary Edition update is necessary for the system to correctly identify eligibility for the Switch 2 version, a small but critical detail that makes all the difference.
Bethesda unexpectedly launched the enhanced Anniversary Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 on December 9, 2025. This upgraded release offers faster load times, better system optimization, higher resolution output, and complete access to Creation Club content.
