Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is making the jump to Nintendo Switch 2 next month, and players who already own the Nintendo Switch version will not have to buy the game again to take advantage of the new version.
THQ Nordic has confirmed that both digital and physical owners of the original Nintendo Switch release will receive the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade through a free patch. Physical owners simply need to insert their Nintendo Switch cartridge into a Nintendo Switch 2 and install the game before downloading the upgrade, while digital owners can download their existing copy and apply the patch.
There is an important distinction when it comes to save data, however. Players who use the upgrade patch on their existing Nintendo Switch version will be able to carry their progress over to Nintendo Switch 2, provided they first transfer their save data to the new console. Purchasing the standalone Nintendo Switch 2 version instead will not allow Nintendo Switch 1 saves to be used.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version will launch on October 6 at 15:00 CEST in most regions, with Japan following on October 8 at midnight JST. It will cost $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99 and will be available digitally and as a Game Key Card rather than a traditional cartridge. There will also be no pre-order period for the Nintendo Switch 2 release.
The Costume Pack DLC is also being handled somewhat differently on Nintendo Switch 2. The DLC is included with a direct purchase of the Nintendo Switch 2 version, while players upgrading from Nintendo Switch will retain access to it if they already own the DLC. Those who only own the base game on Nintendo Switch will need to purchase the DLC separately before upgrading if they want to access it on Nintendo Switch 2.
As for the technical improvements, THQ Nordic says the Nintendo Switch 2 version generally runs at a higher resolution and frame rate than the Nintendo Switch version, particularly when played docked. There will not be separate quality and performance modes to choose between.
The publisher has also confirmed that there are currently no plans for a PC patch, while any potential ports to additional platforms will be announced through THQ Nordic’s official channels if they happen.
For Nintendo Switch owners who already picked up Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, the biggest takeaway is that the Switch 2 upgrade will not require another purchase. The free upgrade also provides a straightforward way to continue an existing playthrough while taking advantage of the newer console’s improved performance.