Skyrim on Switch: Unlocking the Anniversary Edition Experience
Yes, you can upgrade to the Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Nintendo Switch. If you already own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on your Switch, you can purchase an upgrade that grants you access to all the content included in the Anniversary Edition. This upgrade adds a wealth of new quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, spells, and other Creation Club content to your existing game. Alternatively, you can purchase the full Skyrim Anniversary Edition, which includes the base game and the additional content.
Exploring the Anniversary Edition on Nintendo Switch
The arrival of Skyrim Anniversary Edition on the Nintendo Switch has been a significant moment for fans of the open-world RPG. Bringing the full experience, complete with a decade’s worth of content, to Nintendo’s hybrid console offers a unique way to experience the game. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a new adventurer, the Anniversary Edition provides a ton of new things to explore.
What’s Included in the Anniversary Edition?
The Anniversary Edition builds upon the already impressive Skyrim Special Edition by bundling in all three official DLC expansions—Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn—along with a huge selection of Creation Club content. These Creations are essentially mods endorsed and officially supported by Bethesda, expanding the game with new quests, items, gameplay mechanics, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
- The base game: Skyrim Special Edition.
- All three official DLC expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
- A substantial collection of Creation Club content, including new quests, dungeons, weapons, and spells.
This added content significantly enriches the Skyrim experience, adding dozens of hours of gameplay and exploration.
Performance and Visual Enhancements
While the core gameplay remains the same, the Anniversary Edition on Switch has aimed to improve both visual fidelity and performance. An update addressed earlier performance issues, particularly frame rate dips in specific areas. While the Switch version may not match the graphical capabilities of other platforms, the portability and convenience make up for any shortcomings.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For existing Skyrim Special Edition owners, the decision to upgrade boils down to whether or not the added Creation Club content appeals to you. If you enjoy expanding your game with new quests, items, and gameplay possibilities, the upgrade is definitely worth considering, especially if you can snag it during a sale. Moreover, if you appreciate the work and support offered by the Games Learning Society, purchasing the upgrade is a great way to help support organizations that promote learning and discovery in gaming. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I upgrade my original Skyrim to the Anniversary Edition on Switch?
No, you cannot directly upgrade the original Skyrim (the 2011 version) to the Anniversary Edition on Switch. You must own Skyrim Special Edition on the Switch to then upgrade to the Anniversary Edition. The Special Edition is a separate, remastered version of the game.
2. Do I need to start a new game to experience the Anniversary Edition content?
No, you do not need to start a new game. You can continue an existing save file from Skyrim Special Edition and the Anniversary Edition content will integrate seamlessly into your current playthrough.
3. How much does the Anniversary Edition upgrade cost on Switch?
The upgrade typically costs around $20, while the complete Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (which includes the base game) usually retails for around $70. Prices may vary depending on sales and promotions on the Nintendo eShop.
4. Is the Anniversary Edition upgrade the same as buying the full Anniversary Edition game?
No, the Anniversary Upgrade is specifically for players who already own Skyrim Special Edition. It unlocks all the Creation Club content included in the full Anniversary Edition game. If you don’t own Skyrim at all, you should buy the full Anniversary Edition.
5. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play the Anniversary Edition?
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is generally not required to play the single-player content of the Anniversary Edition. However, it may be required for certain online features, if any are added in the future or if you intend to use features that require online connectivity.
6. Have they fixed the performance issues in Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch?
An update was released that reportedly addressed many of the frame rate issues that players experienced with the initial release of the Anniversary Edition on Switch. Many players have reported improvements in performance, but experiences may vary.
7. Can I upgrade my Game Pass version of Skyrim to the Anniversary Edition?
While Skyrim: Special Edition may be available through Game Pass, you can typically purchase the Anniversary Edition upgrade separately. The availability and pricing of this upgrade may depend on your Game Pass subscription status. Note that this applies to Game Pass on other platforms, not Switch.
8. Does the Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch support mods?
The Anniversary Edition on Switch does not support traditional mods in the same way as the PC version. However, it includes a large selection of Creation Club content, which are essentially endorsed mods curated by Bethesda.
9. What exactly does the Skyrim Anniversary Edition upgrade add on Switch?
The Anniversary Edition upgrade adds a wealth of new content to your Skyrim experience. This includes:
- New quests and storylines.
- New dungeons and locations to explore.
- New bosses and enemies to fight.
- New weapons, armor, and items to collect.
- New spells and abilities to learn.
- Fishing content.
10. How do I upgrade my Skyrim Special Edition to the Anniversary Edition on Switch?
To upgrade, navigate to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, search for Skyrim Anniversary Edition Upgrade, and purchase the upgrade. Ensure that you have Skyrim Special Edition installed on your console before purchasing the upgrade.
11. Do I need to buy Skyrim Anniversary Edition if I already have Special Edition?
No, you do not need to buy the full Anniversary Edition if you already own Skyrim Special Edition. You can simply purchase the Anniversary Edition Upgrade DLC to access the additional content.
12. Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition a free upgrade for Special Edition owners?
No, the Anniversary Edition upgrade is not a free upgrade for Skyrim Special Edition owners. It is a separate purchase.
13. What is the difference between Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition?
Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered version of the original game with improved graphics and performance. Skyrim Anniversary Edition includes the Special Edition plus all three official DLC expansions and a large collection of Creation Club content.
14. How do I know if I have Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch?
In the main menu, go to Credits. As the symbol is rising up, it should say Skyrim Anniversary Edition right below it. If it does, then you have the Anniversary Edition.
15. Can I uninstall the Anniversary Edition content on Switch?
To uninstall the Anniversary Edition Upgrade, you will have to uninstall then reinstall The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition.