Skyrim Is Now On Yet Another Platform — And You Could Upgrade For Free

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The classic RPG Skyrim continues its impressive platform run — now arriving on the new Nintendo Switch 2. And the good news: if you already own the right version (the “Anniversary Edition” on the original Switch), you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version at no extra cost. GameSpot+2RPG Site+2

✅ What’s New On Switch 2

  • The version launching on Switch 2 is the Anniversary Edition — meaning it includes the base game + all three major expansions (Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn) plus a ton of extra content from the Creation Club. Gematsu+2RPGamer+2
  • On Switch 2 the game is “enhanced”: improved resolution and performance, faster load-times, and better controls (including mouse support for Joy-Con 2). Nintendo Life+2RPGamer+2
  • The port keeps Nintendo-specific extras too — including certain crossover items (from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) like the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Champion’s Tunic. RPGamer+2Gaming Amigos+2

🎮 How to Get the Switch 2 Version — Free or Cheap

Here’s how the upgrade works (as of December 9, 2025): RPG Site+2VGC+2

  • Free Upgrade: If you already own Skyrim: Anniversary Edition on the original Nintendo Switch — you can download the Switch 2 version from the eShop for free. RPG Site+2Nintendo Life+2
  • Upgrade Path from Base Game: If you own the original Switch version (non-Anniversary), you can buy the “Anniversary Upgrade” (price ~ US $19.99 / £17.99 or equivalent). Once upgraded, you get access to the Switch 2 edition. Nintendo Wire+2Gematsu+2
  • New Purchase: If you don’t own any version, you can buy the full Skyrim Anniversary Edition for Switch 2 — around US $59.99. RPGamer+2Gematsu+2

So for many players — especially longtime Switch Skyrim owners — this feels like a free next-gen upgrade.

🔄 Why This Matters & What’s Improved

  • The Switch 2 hardware boosts performance and load-times for a smoother experience — a meaningful step up over the original Switch, especially for a big open-world RPG like Skyrim. Adventure Gamers+2Gematsu+2
  • Getting the full package (base + expansions + Creation Club content + Nintendo extras) means fans get a “definitive version” of the game on a modern Nintendo device. Gematsu+2RPGamer+2
  • For existing players: rather than buying a whole new copy, they’re effectively getting a free “remaster” — a good value for anyone wanting to revisit Tamriel on new hardware.

📌 What You Should Know Before Upgrading or Buying

  • The free upgrade only applies if you already own the Anniversary Edition on Switch. Owning the base Switch version isn’t enough — you need to first buy the ~$20 upgrade. RPG Site+1
  • The Switch 2 version install size is around 53 GB. RPG Site+1
  • The same “Creation Club + expansions + bonus content” bundle from prior editions remains intact — meaning you get a full Skyrim experience, not a cut-down port. Gematsu+2RPGamer+2

🎯 Final Thoughts

It’s impressive that after more than a decade, Skyrim remains one of the most widely ported games — now landing on the latest Nintendo hardware. For existing Switch players, Bethesda and Nintendo are granting an easy, largely free upgrade path. For newcomers, this is a great chance to get the “definitive edition” of one of the best-selling RPGs ever, optimized for modern systems.

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