Nintendo Switch 2 Day 1 Update Required for Backwards Compatibility, Nintendo Switch Online, Virtual Game Cards, eShop, More

Nintendo Switch 2 requires a day one update to unlock major parts of the console's capabilities, including the ability to play Nintendo Switch 1 games.

The new console is finally available right now in parts of the world where it is already June 5, 2025, and Nintendo has made its launch day Switch 2 update available to download.

You'll need to download that update in order to play a huge swathe of games on Switch 2, including Switch 1 games, online-only games, Virtual Game Cards, and Switch 2 physical software on a Game-key cards that requires a download.

Nintendo fans had expected Switch 2 to require such an update, and early owners ahead of today had reported the console required a sizable patch in order to properly function.

Naturally, the vast majority of Switch 2 owners should have no problem downloading the update — but it's still something to be aware of if you're looking to get playing straight away.

Why is there an update? Well, it's likely that Nintendo was still fine-tuning its Switch 2 firmware when its launch-day consoles were being manufactured, some many months ago.

And, of course, Nintendo will have been keen to keep its console under wraps for as long as possible, even as some early machines popped up in the wild. Ensuring the Switch 2's day-one update was only available today limited early looks at gameplay and system features as much as possble.

Still, it's somewhat startling to see Nintendo's Switch 2 patch notes include mention that the console can now actually... play games.

Here are the full patch notes, from Nintendo's support website.

Nintendo Switch 2 Version 20.1.1

You can now take advantage of various features of the Nintendo Switch 2, including network functions:

• Use of Nintendo Switch software
• Nintendo Switch Online
• Game Chat
• Sharing News
• Transfer all
• Virtual Game Cards
• Nintendo eShop
• Game News
• Upload screenshots and videos to the server. (You will need the Nintendo Switch App to view screenshots and videos uploaded to the server)
• With some exceptions, using network functions requires linking to a Nintendo Account
• If you want to use Nintendo Switch 2 software provided with a key card, you will need to update the console.
• If you want to use a microSD Express card, you will need to update the device.

Nintendo said that this day-one update will be prompted for you to download when first setting up your Switch 2. Alternatively, if you try to use any function from the Switch 2's Home menu — such as the eShop — you will also be prompted to download the update.

Switch 2's key launch title Mario Kart World has also received an update today, which unlocks the ability to play online and also tweaks various settings, including the ability to play as more characters right from the start.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social