Abylight Studios has announced a free update for SOMA, delivering a native Nintendo Switch 2 version with technical improvements for all existing owners, including those with physical and digital copies
Abylight Studios has officially confirmed that SOMA will receive a free update for Nintendo Switch 2, offering a native version of the psychological horror title on the new hardware. The update is available to all players who own SOMA on Nintendo Switch, regardless of whether they purchased the game digitally or physically. This move ensures that existing players can access the enhanced version without additional cost, except in Japan where a 100 yen fee applies on the eShop.
Technical improvements detailed
The Switch 2 update introduces a range of technical enhancements designed to take advantage of the new console's capabilities. According to Abylight Studios, players can expect improved frame rates, faster loading times, increased resolution, higher-quality textures, and greater draw distance. These upgrades are intended to deliver a smoother and more visually detailed experience compared to the original Switch release, though independent performance analysis has not yet been published.
SOMA's original release on PC in 2015 established its reputation as a standout in the psychological horror genre, with a Metacritic score of 84. The Switch 2 version aims to preserve the full experience while optimising for the latest Nintendo hardware. The update is distributed as a native application, meaning it is not reliant on backwards compatibility or emulation, and is available to all current owners of the game on Nintendo Switch platforms.
10th Anniversary Collector's Edition
Alongside the update, Abylight Studios is offering a 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition of SOMA in limited quantities via the ABYLIGHT SHOP. This edition includes a 16 GB cartridge containing the full game, compatible with both Switch and Switch 2, and features the same technical enhancements as the digital update. Additional physical extras include a reversible cover, an 88-page hardcover artbook, an Omnitool keychain, a soundtrack CD with 24 tracks by Mikko Tarmia, a sticker sheet, and a special collector's box. The Collector's Edition is positioned as a premium option for dedicated fans and collectors, with availability limited to a small production run.
For players in the USA, Europe, and other regions, the update is free of charge. The only exception is Japan, where the update is priced at 100 yen on the eShop. Abylight Studios encourages interested players to subscribe to their newsletter for further updates and details about the release.
Developer and publisher context
SOMA was developed by Frictional Games, a studio known for its focus on horror and narrative-driven experiences, including the Penumbra Series and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Abylight Studios, acting as publisher for the Switch versions, has previously brought titles such as Cursed Castilla, Super Hydorah, and Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition to Nintendo platforms. The update reflects a continued commitment to supporting SOMA on current and next-generation Nintendo hardware, though no further content or expansions have been announced at this stage.
Press materials and further information are available through the official Abylight Studios channels, but no new gameplay footage or independent technical analysis of the Switch 2 version has been released at the time of writing.
Access and regional pricing
The SOMA Switch 2 update is available to all existing owners of the game on Nintendo Switch, both digital and physical. The update is free in most regions, with the exception of Japan, where a nominal fee is charged. The Collector's Edition is sold separately and is not required to access the technical enhancements, which are included in the standard update for all players. No changes to the game's content or story have been announced as part of this release.
Players interested in the Collector's Edition should note the limited availability and the inclusion of physical extras not found in the standard release. The update's technical improvements are intended to provide a better experience on Switch 2 hardware, but players should await independent testing for detailed performance analysis.
When a game receives a native update for new hardware, it typically means the software has been rebuilt or optimised specifically for that platform, rather than relying on backwards compatibility or emulation. This can allow for higher frame rates, improved resolution, and better use of the console's capabilities. However, the actual impact on gameplay and visual quality depends on how thoroughly the developer has reworked the game for the new system. Until independent technical analysis is available, players should treat performance claims as targets rather than guaranteed results.
