Skyrim Anniversary Edition makes the leap to Nintendo Switch 2 with technical improvements and a free upgrade

With hardly any prior noise and in the middle of December, Bethesda has decided to bring Skyrim back into the modern era. with a move that few saw coming: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition makes a surprise appearance on Nintendo Switch 2The legendary open-world role-playing adventure adds yet another platform to its already extensive list, this time with a native version designed to take advantage of Nintendo's new hybrid hardware.

The relaunch is not limited to a simple port: The Switch 2 edition comes with technical improvements, all previously released content, and upgrade options designed for those who already owned the game on the original Switch.Among special prices, extras inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and performance changes, the proposal targets both veterans who want to return to Tamriel and those who haven't yet made the jump and are looking for Skyrim cheats for Nintendo Switch.

An unexpected release for a tireless classic

Nobody expected that on an ordinary day of the week Bethesda Game Studios will suddenly announce the native version of Skyrim Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2More than a decade after its original release in 2011, the RPG continues to add systems, and Nintendo's new console has not been left out of the equation.

The company has confirmed that The Anniversary Edition is available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop 2In a move very much in line with other recent surprise releases, there's no need to wait for future dates or pre-orders: anyone wanting to lose themselves in the snowy landscapes of Skyrim on the new hybrid console can do so right now.

For the European market, and specifically for Spain, The game is sold digitally for €59,99 in its full version for Switch 2, thus putting it on par with other major third-party releases on the console and other titles featured on lists of best RPG games for the Nintendo SwitchEven so, the main focus is on how Bethesda has presented the different options for those who already owned the title on the original Switch.

All content in one package: base game, expansions and Creation Club

The version released on Switch 2 is neither a cut-down edition nor a simple adaptation: This is the complete Skyrim Anniversary Edition, with the base game and all its official expansions.That is, it includes the three major content expansions: Dawnguard, Dragonborn and Hearthfire, something already common in the most recent versions of the title.

Along with the expansions, This edition incorporates hundreds of elements from the Creation ClubBethesda's curated additional content platform. This pack includes new quests, weapons, armor, and spells (including guides for maximize conjuration), dungeons and other additions that significantly expand the game's possibilities, offering more variety to both returning and new players.

This set of extras translates into a considerably more complete gaming experience than the original version that came to Nintendo Switch in 2017For many European players, especially those who only played the base game back in the day, the Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 is the most complete way to have Skyrim in both portable and home formats.

However, all this content comes at a storage cost: The download takes up around 50 GB of space on the console or a fast MicroSD card., a figure to take into account in a system where internal memory remains limited.

Technical improvements and new control options on Switch 2

Beyond the content, one of the keys to this relaunch lies in the technical improvements. Bethesda points out that The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Skyrim Anniversary Edition offers higher resolution, shorter loading times, and more stable performance. than the original hybrid console. No specific resolution or frame rate figures have been detailed, but comparisons published by specialized media point to a smoother experience in both handheld and docked modes.

In addition to the graphical leap, Work has been done to reduce waiting times between zones and to improve fast travel.This is especially relevant in a game with as much change between indoor and outdoor environments as Skyrim. In practice, this translates to fewer loading screens and more time exploring the map, which benefits both new playthroughs and more advanced adventures.

The big gameplay innovation comes with the controls: The Switch 2 edition includes a mouse-like control mode using the Joy-Con 2Offering more precise aiming and a different menu navigation style than the classic stick-based controls. In addition, the familiar motion controls and amiibo compatibility remain as extra options for those who prefer a more gesture-based approach.

Taken together, these improvements make The experience on Switch 2 is clearly more comfortable than in the first version for the Nintendo console, without altering the core gameplay or the RPG structure. This isn't a reinvention of the title, but rather an optimized adaptation for the new hardware.

Exclusive Nintendo extras: The Legend of Zelda team

As happened previously with the version for the original Switch, Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch 2 retains the exclusive content inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThis is a small nod to the Nintendo community that has supported this edition of the game for years.

Those who venture to explore northern Tamriel will be able to obtain The Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, and the Champion's TunicThis is a set of items that brings some of Hyrule's aesthetic to the world of Skyrim. It doesn't change the story or the main quests, but it adds a recognizable touch for fans of the Nintendo saga.

This exclusive package is in addition to the rest of the Creator Club content, so that Switch 2 players will enjoy a unique combination of official material, select mods, and Nintendo-themed elements.For those who enjoy customizing their character or equipment, it's an extra incentive when considering a new game.

Prices and upgrade options on Switch and Switch 2

One of the points that has generated the most interest among European users is how the prices have been structured. Bethesda has opted for a tiered system that It rewards those who had already invested in Skyrim.especially for those who previously purchased the Anniversary Edition, and makes it easier to check tricks for all platforms when necessary.

• Direct purchase on Switch 2Those who do not have any previous version can get it The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 for €59,99 through the eShop.
• Upgrade from the basic editionIf you only own the base Skyrim game on the original Switch, you can purchase The Anniversary Update for €19,99This purchase unlocks the Anniversary Edition bonus content on both Switch and Switch 2.
• Free upgrade for Anniversary on Switch: the players who already had Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the original Switch can be downloaded as a native Switch 2 version at no extra costsimply by updating the game from the digital store.

With this approach, Those users who had previously invested the most in Skyrim are the ones who come out on top.You'll get the new console version for free. However, those who kept the standard version must pay to access all the content and the cross-platform upgrade. If you're interested in learning more about the combat and enemies, see How many enemies does Skyrim have?.

In any case, the price is €19,99 for those who already owned the base game. It allows you to catch up with all the additional content and the Switch 2 version without having to buy the full title again.This is something that many players in Spain and the rest of Europe value when deciding which platform to continue their game on.

Comparison with the first Switch: what really changes

Since its announcement, much of the debate has focused on whether or not it's worth upgrading from the original Switch edition. Broadly speaking, There are no changes to the story, main missions, or core mechanics.We are still dealing with the same Skyrim that has been running on consoles and PC for years.

Where the differences are noticeable is on the technical level. The graphics look sharper, the resolution is more stable, and loading times are noticeably reduced.especially when moving between large areas of the map or entering indoors. Performance also gains in stability, something crucial in such an open-world title with so many elements on screen.

At the control level, the addition of mouse-like mode using the Joy-Con 2 and refined movement options They offer a different way to control the character and aim, especially for those who come from playing on PC or prefer a control system less dependent on the analog sticks.

If these improvements are added to the inclusion of all the Creation Club content and the presence of the Zelda extras, The Switch 2 version is shaping up to be the most complete edition of Skyrim on a Nintendo consoleIt doesn't revolutionize the game, but it does round out the experience and adapt it better to current standards.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or not rests with each player: for those who have already spent many hours on the original Switch and simply want to continue their game, The free Anniversary Edition upgrade or the €19,99 upgrade can be a good entry pointFor those who haven't yet tried it, this Switch 2 version offers the most comprehensive and polished package available in the Nintendo ecosystem. If you'd prefer to explore other options, check out our selection of games similar to Skyrim.

With this movement, Bethesda ensures that one of its most influential RPGs remains relevant in the new portable generation and Nintendo's home console, offering A content-packed edition, with noticeable technical improvements and a relatively user-friendly update system For those who came from the first Switch, maintaining the essence of Skyrim but adapting it, once again, to the hardware of the time.

Alberto navarro

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