The "update" tag usually implies bug fixes. In the case of Spirit of the North , the updates available on the Switch largely addressed the game's launch-day crashes and improved the frame-pacing slightly. Playing the updated NSP is essential, as the base cartridge release had some game-breaking glitches in the later chapters.

Return to the Nintendo Switch home menu. Hover over the Spirit of the North game icon and press the (+) button on your controller. Look at the version number displayed under the title to confirm that the update applied successfully. Optimizing Performance Post-Update

: Players solve puzzles to remove the "malice" and release the spirits of deceased shamans by returning their staffs. Review - Spirit of the North - WayTooManyGames

Another noted: “Photo mode alone is worth the update. Being able to pause and frame the fox running through the red grass – that’s the soul of the game.”