Sonic X Shadow Generations will not provide an upgrade path for Nintendo Switch 1 owners to transition to the Switch 2 version. This decision is particularly disappointing given that many other cross-generational games have taken steps to offer upgrade options. While the new iteration on Switch 2 boasts improved graphics compared to its predecessor, players will have to repurchase the game if they wish to experience it on the newer console.
This remastered version of the 2011 classic Sonic Generations features a fresh storyline involving Shadow the Hedgehog. Given the positive reception from both fans and critics, it seems like a missed opportunity not to facilitate a transition for existing players to the updated platform. Initially, it was uncertain whether Sonic X Shadow Generations would be a launch title for the Switch 2, but Sega has since confirmed that it will indeed be available on June 5, coinciding with the console’s release.
The gameplay experience on the Switch 2 is set to be enhanced thanks to its more powerful hardware, offering better performance and graphics. However, players looking to take advantage of these improvements will need to buy the game again, as there will be no option for an upgrade from the original version. Although save data can be transferred from Switch 1 to Switch 2, this data cannot revert back to the older system.
This lack of an upgrade path is disappointing, especially when many other developers and even Nintendo itself are offering paid upgrades for select titles. Prices for these upgrades range from $10 to $20, making Sonic X Shadow Generations stand out for not providing an avenue for its existing fans. Nonetheless, Switch 2 users can still enjoy the original version on their new system, ensuring that the game is accessible to those who already own it.