Apply the most recent cumulative update NSP. Never skip directly to DLC without updating the base game first, as new characters require the updated engine assets to load.
Use established, community-trusted title installers to transfer files from your PC to your Switch via USB. This prevents file corruption midway through massive transfers.
Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch: The Ultimate Update & DLC Guide Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) mortal kombat 1 switch nsp update dlc exclusive
The term (Nintendo Submission Package) is critical here. Unlike physical cartridges containing version 1.0, the digital NSP files allow players to patch the game incrementally. Each major update has rebuilt shader caches, optimized Kameo fighter animations, and reduced the visual gap between the Switch and other consoles.
: A full digital install (NSP) requires at least 48 GB ; physical copies still require an additional 40 GB download for the full experience. Apply the most recent cumulative update NSP
A significant development occurred in June 2025: Mortal Kombat 1 reportedly runs considerably better on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. According to Nintendo Life and ComicBook.com:
Exclusive to the Premium Edition of the game, this skin completely transforms Johnny Cage with unique voice acting and modeling. Each major update has rebuilt shader caches, optimized
Massive updates for modern games often require your Switch system firmware to be updated to the latest version. Check the firmware requirements of the latest MK1 update before attempting installation.
Several pieces of content in Mortal Kombat 1 are labeled as exclusive or time-gated. For CFW users, finding the specific DLC NSPs for these items is the only way to access them if they missed the original retail windows:
Mortal Kombat 1 on Nintendo Switch receives a major NSP update that includes platform-specific optimizations and new downloadable content exclusive to the Switch release. The update improves performance stability, reduces load times, and refines controller input responsiveness for handheld and docked modes. Visual options have been adjusted to balance frame rate and resolution on Switch hardware, and several gameplay bugs and crashes reported at launch are patched.