Skyrim Switch 2 Edition Announced: Yes, You Can Play Bethesda’s RPG Yet Again Before Elder Scrolls 6
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is now on Switch 2 with faster load times, enhanced resolution, and Zelda: Breath of the Wild crossover content. Free upgrade for Switch owners.
In news that surprises absolutely no one, Bethesda has released yet another version of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim—this time for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Skyrim Anniversary Edition is now available on Nintendo’s latest console for £52.99, complete with performance upgrades and exclusive Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild content.
Yes, you read that right. Skyrim continues its reign as the most ported game in history, arriving on the Switch 2 while The Elder Scrolls 6 remains “still a long way off.”
What’s Included in Skyrim Switch 2 Anniversary Edition?
The Switch 2 version of Skyrim isn’t just a straight port—it includes several enhancements and exclusive content to justify the upgrade.
Performance Improvements
- Faster load times: Say goodbye (or at least “see you less”) to those infamous Skyrim loading screens
- Enhanced resolution: Sharper visuals take advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware
Exclusive Zelda: Breath of the Wild Content
Just like the original Switch release, the Switch 2 edition includes crossover items from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild:
- Master Sword: Link’s legendary blade
- Hylian Shield: The iconic blue shield
- Champion’s Tunic: Link’s signature outfit from BOTW
These items were fan favorites in the original Switch version, so it makes sense Bethesda brought them back for the sequel console.
All DLC Included
The Anniversary Edition bundles:
- Dawnguard (vampire/Dawnguard questline)
- Dragonborn (Solstheim exploration and Miraak storyline)
- Hearthfire (build your own house!)
- Hundreds of Creation Club items: Armor sets, weapons, quests, and more
If you’ve never played Skyrim’s expansions, this is a complete package.
Free Upgrade for Switch Owners
Here’s the good news for existing players:
If you already own The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Switch, you can download the Switch 2 version for free.
What About Base Edition Owners?
If you only own the base Skyrim edition on Switch, you can purchase the Anniversary Upgrade and then download the full game on Switch 2.
This is a pretty consumer-friendly move from Bethesda, especially considering how many times they’ve re-released this game across platforms.
Skyrim’s Endless Releases: A Running Joke
At this point, Skyrim’s multiple releases have become a meme in the gaming community. Since its original 2011 launch, the game has appeared on:
- PC (original, Special Edition, Anniversary Edition)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch (and now Switch 2)
- VR versions (PlayStation VR, PC VR)
- Amazon Alexa (yes, really)
The joke practically writes itself: Skyrim will outlive us all before Elder Scrolls 6 arrives.
Why Does Bethesda Keep Re-Releasing Skyrim?
Simple answer: Because people keep buying it.
Skyrim has sold over 60 million copies worldwide across all platforms. Each new console generation brings a fresh wave of players who either:
- Never experienced Skyrim before
- Want to replay it with upgraded performance
- Can’t resist the convenience of portable Skyrim (Switch/Switch 2)
From a business perspective, re-releasing Skyrim is a low-risk, high-reward strategy for Bethesda while they work on bigger projects.
Where Is The Elder Scrolls 6?
Speaking of bigger projects, let’s address the dragon in the room: Where the hell is The Elder Scrolls 6?
Todd Howard: “Still a Long Way Off”
Bethesda’s Todd Howard has repeatedly said The Elder Scrolls 6 is “still a long way off,” though development is now an “everyday thing” at the studio.
Translation: Don’t expect it anytime soon. We’re likely looking at 2027 or later at the earliest.
Why Was Elder Scrolls 6 Announced So Early?
Back in 2018, Bethesda teased The Elder Scrolls 6 with a brief cinematic trailer—essentially just a logo and some mountains. Fans lost their minds.
But in 2023, Todd Howard admitted he wished he’d been more casual with the announcement. The hype train left the station way too early, and now players are frustrated by the lack of concrete updates.
Skyrim’s lead designer Bruce Nesmith explained the announcement was partly to “appease angry mobs” who had their “pitchforks and torches” out, demanding to know about the next Elder Scrolls.
In other words: Bethesda announced ES6 to calm fans down, even though the game was nowhere near ready.
What’s Taking So Long?
Several factors are delaying The Elder Scrolls 6:
- Starfield came first: Bethesda prioritized their new space RPG, which launched in 2023
- Engine upgrades: Bethesda is reportedly overhauling the Creation Engine yet again
- Scope and ambition: ES6 needs to live up to massive expectations after Skyrim’s legacy
- Staffing challenges: AAA game development takes years, especially for open-world RPGs
The reality? We probably won’t see The Elder Scrolls 6 until the late 2020s.
Should You Buy Skyrim on Switch 2?
Here’s the real question: Is Skyrim on Switch 2 worth buying?
Buy It If:
- You’ve never played Skyrim: This is the definitive portable version with all content included
- You owned the original Switch version: Free upgrade means you only pay if you didn’t own Anniversary Edition
- You love portable gaming: Skyrim on-the-go with better performance is hard to beat
- You’re a Zelda fan: The Master Sword and Hylian Shield crossover is a fun bonus
Skip It If:
- You’ve already played Skyrim to death: Unless portability is a must, there’s nothing groundbreaking here
- You prefer PC/console versions: Mods and higher graphical fidelity are still better elsewhere
- You’re waiting for Elder Scrolls 6: Well, you’ll be waiting a while, but Skyrim fatigue is real
The Elder Scrolls Community’s Mixed Feelings
Reaction to Skyrim’s Switch 2 release has been predictably split:
Camp 1: “Here we go again…”
- Fans frustrated that Bethesda keeps milking Skyrim instead of focusing on ES6
- Memes about Skyrim releasing on every platform imaginable
- Jokes about playing Skyrim on smart fridges next
Camp 2: “I’ll take another copy, thanks”
- Players excited for improved performance on Switch 2
- New fans discovering Skyrim for the first time
- Portable Skyrim enthusiasts who want the best handheld experience
Both perspectives are valid. Skyrim’s longevity is impressive, but the wait for Elder Scrolls 6 is testing fans’ patience.
What’s Next for Bethesda?
Beyond Skyrim’s endless re-releases, Bethesda has several projects in motion:
- Starfield DLC and updates: Expanding their space RPG
- Fallout 5: Officially in pre-production, but likely a decade away
- The Elder Scrolls 6: Still in active development, but no release window
Todd Howard’s strategy seems to be: Keep fans engaged with Skyrim re-releases and Starfield content while quietly chipping away at ES6 in the background.
Final Thoughts: Skyrim Lives On (Again)
Skyrim on Switch 2 is another chapter in the never-ending saga of Bethesda’s 2011 masterpiece. Whether you see it as a shameless cash grab or a smart way to introduce new players to Tamriel depends on your perspective.
For Switch 2 owners who never played Skyrim or want a portable upgrade, this is a solid purchase. For everyone else? Well, you’ve probably fought Alduin enough times already.
As for The Elder Scrolls 6, we’ll just have to keep waiting—and probably play Skyrim a few more times in the meantime.
While you’re catching up on gaming news, check out the latest on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s Pankot Palace outfit update, Konami’s custom Yu-Gi-Oh! wedding card for Hajime Syacho, and Warzone players demanding permanent wall jumping from Black Ops 7.
Bottom line: Skyrim on Switch 2 is here. Elder Scrolls 6 is not. Such is life in Tamriel.
