Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will be able to avail Switch 2 edition upgrade packs at no additional cost.
The official Nintendo website has been updated with new details regarding Nintendo Switch Online perks specifically for Nintendo Switch 2 users. Until the end of March, 2026, owner of the new console will be able to use GameChat without a Nintendo Switch Online membership during the GameChat Open-Access Period. From then onward, users will be required to become a member in order to continue using the social feature.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will soon be able to play Nintendo GameCube Classics, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on Nintendo Switch 2, with more games coming in the future. Some games include new in-game options, like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay.
Lastly, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members playing on the new console will soon gain access to Switch 2 edition upgrade packs for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, allowing them to play the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these games at no additional cost. Users must own either digital or physical copies The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch to use the respective upgrade pack.
Those who don’t wish to subscribe or pay an additional fee in order to play Switch 2 editions of Nintendo Switch titles can still play them via backwards compatibility with potential enhancements. During a recent “Ask the Developers” feature on the official Nintendo website, Takuhiro Dohta stated that, when the team at Nintendo tried running Switch games on Switch 2, there were some where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable. In addition, he said that GameChat will also be available for Switch games that are played on Switch 2.
