Skyrim Shadow Dropped on the Nintendo Switch 2

It’s been a long-running joke that Bethesda’s Todd Howard can’t help but release as many new versions of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim as he possibly can, and now the beloved open world game is on yet another platform. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was originally released in 2011 for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 and got Premium and Legendary Edition re-releases before making the jump to PS4 and Xbox One in 2016 with the souped-up Special Edition.

As the years have gone by, Bethesda has released an Anniversary Edition of Skyrim that brought the game to modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with a VR version of the game and even a version that’s playable through Amazon Alexa. Of course, Skyrim also received a well-reviewed Switch port, giving fans the chance to take the massive open world on the go. Skyrim‘s Switch version came with platform-exclusive content and amiibo support. Now, Switch 2 owners can play a native version of the game on Nintendo’s latest home console/handheld hybrid.

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Skyrim Has Been Shadow Dropped on Switch 2

In a shock shadow drop, Bethesda has officially released Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch 2. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the classic game comes with enhanced resolution, improved load times, and optimized performance when compared to the version of the game available on the original Switch. It’s also the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim, which means Creation Club items, as well as the Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire expansion. Those that already own Skyrim on the Switch 1 can upgrade to the Switch 2 version of the game completely free of charge, while those buying it for the first time can expect to shell out $59.99.

Skyrim on Switch 2 Has the Nintendo Exclusive Items Intact

Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch 2 includes the Nintendo content that was originally only available in the Switch 1 version of the game. More specifically, Skyrim players on the platform can obtain items based on The Legend of Zelda franchise, with the iconic Master Sword and Hylian Shield available alongside the Champion’s Tunic, which gives your Skyrim character a Breath of the Wild-style look. These items can be unlocked using Zelda: Breath of the Wild amiibo, or by finding a secret chest at the Throat of the World, a tall mountain which players reach by simply progressing the main quest.

Bethesda is All-In on Shadow Drops

Skyrim isn’t the only game Bethesda has shadow dropped in 2025. Earlier this year, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered was shadow dropped for multiple platforms, giving fans of the classic RPG the chance to revisit it with significant performance enhancements and dramatically improved graphics. A Switch 2 version of Oblivion Remastered hasn’t been announced yet, but perhaps it too will be shadow dropped for the platform one day.

It’s been suggested that Elder Scrolls 6 may even be shadow dropped, though that seems likely. A game release as big as the long-awaited Elder Scrolls 6 would potentially do itself a disservice by shadow dropping as opposed to having a full-blown marketing campaign. Elder Scrolls 6 is still years away at this point anyway, though, so that’s not something fans have to worry about for quite some time. For now, Elder Scrolls fans can enjoy Skyrim on the Switch 2, and start placing their bets on which platform it will end up on next.

Released

November 11, 2011

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol

Developer(s)

Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher(s)

Bethesda Softworks