The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – Anniversary Edition arrived on Nintendo’s Switch 2 as a surprise drop from Bethesda, with owners of the Switch 1 Anniversary Edition able to upgrade for free and base edition owners offered an Anniversary Upgrade purchase.
The Switch 2 version brings performance and visual improvements that change the experience on Nintendo’s new hardware, while also bundling the three main DLC packs and the console-only content players expected, meaning many Switch owners can jump into the full Anniversary package immediately.
The release included the three expansions Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire, plus the Nintendo-exclusive items already seen on Switch 1, such as the Master Sword, Champion’s Tunic, and Hylian Shield. Bethesda also said there are “hundreds of unique Creation Club items” available to try, spanning weapons, armor, quests, and dungeons.
On Switch 2, Bethesda listed faster load times, improved resolution, and optimized performance compared with the Switch 1 port, and the company pushed the Anniversary Edition live without a long lead-up. The studio has not provided official side-by-side comparisons of the two Nintendo ports yet.
The surprise release continues Skyrim’s long run of new editions and ports, and it arrives while Bethesda remains quiet on the status of a full successor. Console & PC Gaming previously reported on Howard saying The Elder Scrolls 6 is still a long way off, a reminder that Skyrim updates continue to keep the franchise in players’ hands.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios


















