According to KitGuru.net, Bethesda has launched a native ‘Skyrim Anniversary Edition’ for the Nintendo Switch 2, following the announcement of Fallout 4 coming to the platform. This new version bundles the base game, all three DLC expansions, and a curated selection of premium mods from the Anniversary update. The key detail is that current Nintendo Switch owners of the Skyrim Anniversary Edition can download this Switch 2 version for free. However, players who only own the older Skyrim Special Edition on Switch will have to purchase the Anniversary Edition to get the new hardware upgrade. The Switch 2 port promises enhanced resolution, faster load times, and potentially an increased frame rate, aiming to match the 60FPS performance seen on modern Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
The upgrade path problem
Okay, let’s talk about that messy upgrade policy. It’s classic Bethesda, right? They’ve created this weird tiered system that’s going to frustrate a chunk of their audience. If you bought the Anniversary Edition on Switch, you’re golden—free upgrade. But if you’re still rocking the Special Edition? You’re paying again. This isn’t just a next-gen patch; it’s being treated as a separate product tier, and that feels like a cash grab for a 13-year-old game. It punishes the loyal players who bought in early on the Switch platform. Basically, they’re using the new hardware as a lever to sell the more expensive SKU all over again.
What the Switch 2 version actually means
So what are you actually getting for your money (or your luck)? The promised enhancements are resolution, load times, and frame rate. Here’s the thing: the original Switch version was a minor miracle, but it was locked to 30FPS and had some serious draw distance and texture compromises. A solid 60FPS on Switch 2 would be a huge deal for feel, and faster load times are always welcome in an open-world game. But I’m skeptical about “enhanced resolution.” Will it be a dynamic 4K when docked? Or just a more stable 1080p? They’re being vague, probably because the final specs are still being tuned. The real test will be if those fancy “premium mods” run without introducing new bugs or crashes on the new hardware.
The bigger Bethesda picture
This move isn’t happening in a vacuum. Announcing Fallout 4 for Switch 2 and then stealth-dropping Skyrim? It’s a clear signal that Bethesda sees Nintendo’s new console as a viable platform for their back catalog—and maybe for future titles like Starfield someday. They’re establishing a presence early. But it also highlights a dependency on re-releases. How many times can they sell us Skyrim? Apparently, at least once more. The strategy makes business sense, especially if the Switch 2 sells as well as its predecessor. But for players, it’s a mixed bag: easier access to great games, wrapped in confusing and sometimes consumer-unfriendly upgrade policies.
