The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade trick is a straightforward way to save $15 or more on new titles by purchasing the original Switch version first, then upgrading to the Switch 2 edition through the Nintendo eShop. With Switch 2 games launching at $85 to $90 USD, this loophole transforms the economics of early adoption on Nintendo’s new hardware.
Key Takeaways
- Buy a discounted Switch 1 version of a game (sometimes as low as $5 during sales) to unlock upgrade eligibility
- Progress to the main menu on Switch 2 to trigger the upgrade discount code in the eShop
- Purchase the Switch 2 upgrade pack for $10 USD instead of paying $85+ for the full game
- Resell the Switch 1 copy afterward to recoup costs or turn a profit via eBay or CEX
- Works on select cross-generation titles like Hogwarts Legacy; digital Switch 2 version remains after upgrade
How the Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrade Works
The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade process requires three steps: acquire a discounted Switch 1 version, load it on your Switch 2, then purchase the upgrade pack. Step one is the savings lever. Hogwarts Legacy illustrates the potential. The Switch 1 cartridge sells for as little as $5 during eShop sales or via secondhand markets like eBay and CEX. The full Switch 2 digital version costs $85 USD. But once you own the Switch 1 version—even briefly—Nintendo unlocks a $10 upgrade path in the eShop.
Step two requires minimal effort. Insert the Switch 1 cartridge into your Switch 2 or launch the digital version, then navigate to the main menu. This action generates eligibility for the discount. You do not need to play the game or progress through hours of content. Reaching the main menu in 5 to 10 seconds is sufficient. Step three is the transaction itself. Open the eShop on Switch 2, search for the game title, and locate the upgrade pack option. The $10 charge applies automatically, and you receive the full Switch 2 digital version.
Real Savings: The Hogwarts Legacy Example
Hogwarts Legacy demonstrates the actual math behind the Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade savings. A YouTuber documented purchasing the Switch 1 version for $5, then upgrading via the eShop for $10, achieving a total cost of $15 for the Switch 2 edition. Compare that to the standard $85 USD retail price for Switch 2. The savings exceed $70 per game—a gap that justifies the extra steps for budget-conscious players.
The trick extends further. After completing the upgrade and securing your Switch 2 digital copy, the original Switch 1 cartridge retains resale value. Sellers on eBay and CEX report trading back physical copies for $5 to $15, depending on condition and demand. In the best-case scenario, you acquire the Switch 2 version for $10 or less after accounting for resale. This arbitrage works because Nintendo’s upgrade pricing assumes players paid full price for the Switch 1 version. When you buy discounted, you break the pricing model in your favor.
Which Games Support Nintendo Switch 2 Game Upgrade Paths
Not every Switch title offers a Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade option. Hogwarts Legacy is confirmed as eligible. Other potential candidates mentioned by players include Overcooked, Donkey Kong Bananza, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom, though official confirmation from Nintendo remains sparse. The upgrade feature is a publisher decision, not a universal Switch 2 feature. Before committing to a purchase, verify that your target game supports cross-generation upgrades on the eShop.
Nintendo has not published a comprehensive list of eligible titles, which creates friction for the strategy. Players must research each game individually or discover eligibility by attempting the upgrade process. This ambiguity explains why the trick remains underutilized despite its financial appeal. As more Switch 1 libraries migrate to Switch 2, expect publishers to expand upgrade support—but do not assume every AAA title will participate.
Timing the Purchase: eShop Sales and Mario Day 2026
The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade strategy gains additional power when paired with eShop sales. Nintendo’s 2026 Mario Day sale, launching around March 8, discounted Switch titles including Super Mario RPG and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Risk of Rain 2 appeared at 75% off for $6.24, and Tomb Raider Definitive Edition at 20% off for $15.99. These discounts on Switch 1 versions directly reduce your entry cost for the upgrade trick.
The timing is critical. If you wait for a Mario Day or seasonal sale to buy the Switch 1 version at 50% to 75% off, your total cost for the Switch 2 edition can drop to $10 to $15 total—making the upgrade almost free. Nintendo rarely discounts Switch 2 games at launch, so the upgrade path represents one of the few ways to save on new hardware releases in 2026. Patience compounds savings significantly.
Does the Trick Have Limitations?
The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade strategy is not frictionless. Digital-only buyers cannot access secondhand copies on eBay or CEX, limiting their ability to find deeply discounted Switch 1 versions. They depend entirely on eShop sales, which occur less frequently than physical retailer discounts. Additionally, the resale market for used Switch 1 cartridges fluctuates. Profit margins after trading back depend on demand and condition, making the arbitrage less predictable than the initial $15 savings claim.
Another consideration: this approach requires owning or temporarily accessing a Switch 1 copy. Players who sold their original Switch or lack access to secondhand markets face barriers. Nintendo has not officially endorsed or documented the upgrade mechanic, so the feature could theoretically change or disappear with future eShop updates. Treat it as a current advantage, not a permanent loophole.
Alternatives to the Upgrade Trick
If the upgrade path does not appeal to you, other savings methods exist. Buying used Switch 2 copies from resale platforms avoids the multi-step process, though availability remains limited in early 2026. Waiting for standard eShop sales on Switch 2 games eventually offers discounts, though Nintendo’s first-party titles rarely drop below 20% off. The upgrade trick is faster and deeper than waiting, making it the optimal choice for early adopters who want immediate savings.
Can I use this trick on every Switch 2 game?
No. The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade feature depends on whether the publisher enabled it for that specific title. Hogwarts Legacy supports it, and players suspect other major releases do as well, but Nintendo has not published an official list. Check the eShop listing for your target game before purchasing the Switch 1 version. If no upgrade option appears after loading the Switch 1 copy, you may be stuck with two separate licenses.
What if I buy the Switch 1 version digitally instead of on cartridge?
Digital Switch 1 versions unlock the same upgrade eligibility as physical cartridges. Launch the digital game on your Switch 2, reach the main menu, and the eShop upgrade option becomes available. The advantage of digital is convenience—no shipping or resale friction. The disadvantage is you cannot recoup costs by trading the game back, so your total investment remains $15 (or higher if you did not catch a sale on the Switch 1 digital version).
Does the upgrade cost vary by region?
The research brief confirms $10 USD for Hogwarts Legacy upgrades and $90 CAD for the full Switch 2 version in Canada. Regional pricing likely varies, but specific costs for other regions are not documented. Check your local eShop for exact pricing in your currency before committing to a purchase.
The Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade trick works because Nintendo’s pricing structure assumes players paid full price for Switch 1 versions. By buying discounted, you exploit that assumption and save substantially. The strategy is most effective during eShop sales, works on confirmed titles like Hogwarts Legacy, and requires minimal effort beyond a few eShop transactions. For budget-conscious Switch 2 owners in early 2026, this remains the fastest path to cutting game costs by $70 or more per title.
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Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
