Asphalt Legends gets enhanced Switch 2 Edition

• Asphalt Legends Switch 2 Edition released as free upgrade
• Increases the resolution to 1440 in TV mode and 1080p in handheld mode
• Boasts a “stable 60fps” and “enhanced visual effects”

Asphalt Legends has received a surprise Switch 2 Edition upgrade, bringing several enhancements to the popular arcade racer.  

According to the Nintendo store listing, the Switch 2 Edition upgrades the resolution to 1440p in TV mode and 1080p in handheld mode. In addition, both modes offer “stable 60fps” performance alongside “enhanced visual effects.”

Previously branded as Asphalt 9: Legends and Asphalt Legends: Unite, the high-octane arcade racer was first released for the original Nintendo Switch in 2019. While it was backwards compatible on the Switch 2, a native version wasn’t available until now.

Like the recent enhanced version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the Switch 2 Edition is a free downloadable upgrade and requires the original game.

Based on the popular mobile game, Asphalt Legends is free-to-play, with optional in-game purchases. Gameloft continues to support the game with live service updates. Launched earlier this month, the most recent update added six new cars, including the Rimac Nevera R and a BMW M4 GT3 EVO Lego Technic car, as well as a tournament inspired by the power metal band Dragonforce.

Asphalt’s enhanced Switch 2 Edition comes after a spate of new racing game releases for Nintendo’s latest console this month, including GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition and Gear.Club Unlimited 3. The latter was released yesterday for those who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition, with the standard version set to arrive later this week.

Incidentally, the newly enhanced Asphalt Legends means that Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is no longer the only native Switch 2 racing game to feature licensed real-world cars, which was one of its main selling points. Gameloft’s arcade racer features an expansive roster of over 300 cars from a wide range of manufacturers, including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.

However, Asphalt Legends is more arcade-like than Gear.Club Unlimited 3 and GRID Legends, emphasising speed, destruction and physics-defying aerial stunts.

Will you be trying Asphalt Legends Switch 2 Edition? Let us know in the comments below.