For users managing their game library via Atmosphere, Ryujinx, or Yuzu, a "base NSP" is useless without the corresponding "UPDATE NSP." The current gold standard for the Contra Anniversary Collection is Version 1.1.0 (sometimes listed as v65536 in hex editors).
The Contra Anniversary Collection for Nintendo Switch brings ten legendary run-and-gun titles to modern hardware, with updates that significantly expand its content and usability. Latest Update Information (v1.1.0 / v1.1.1)
Most NSP and XCI releases are currently updated to version 1.1.0 or 1.1.1. These patches are critical as they added features that were missing at the initial digital launch:
Japanese Versions: Adds the Japanese regional variants for almost every game in the collection, providing localized title screens and gameplay differences.
Button Remapping: A highly requested feature allowing players to customize their controls across all titles.
Regional Rating Updates: Recent minor updates (as of late 2025) included rating information for specific agencies like Taiwan, though these do not change gameplay. Full Game List Contra Anniversary Collection Switch NSP UPDATE
The collection features classic arcade, 8-bit, and 16-bit entries, including several regional alternates: Arcade: and Super Contra NES/Famicom: (NA & JP versions), Super C SNES: Contra III: The Alien Wars , Super Probotector: Alien Rebels (PAL) Genesis/Mega Drive: Contra: Hard Corps , Probotector (PAL) Game Boy: Operation C Key Features & Content
Bonus eBook: Includes a digital "Bonus Book" with sketches, drafts, an official chronology, and exclusive interviews with veteran producers.
Quality of Life: The collection supports Save States, allowing players to save their progress at any point—a major help given the series' notorious difficulty.
Co-op Play: Most games support local 2-player co-op, staying true to the series' roots. Installation Note for NSP Updates
When updating the NSP file on a modified console, the update file is typically around 550MB, which is larger than the base game (approx. 495MB) because it replaces and adds significant regional assets. Download Contra Anniversary Collection NSP, XCI ROM For users managing their game library via Atmosphere,
The most significant update for the Contra Anniversary Collection
on the Nintendo Switch was released on June 18, 2019, adding highly requested features and a substantial expansion of the playable library. Key Features of the Update Japanese Game Versions
: The free patch added original Japanese versions of several titles, bringing the collection to a total of 16 playable variants Button Remapping
: Konami addressed a major user request by adding the ability to remap buttons, allowing for customized controls across the collection's titles. Bonus Book Expansion
: The update included Japanese language scans for the digital bonus book. Expanded Game List (Includes Updated Versions) The Glaring Omissions: This is where the "Update"
The following titles are now available in both their North American/European and original Japanese versions: (Arcade, NES, and Famicom variants) Super Contra (Arcade and NES) Contra III: The Alien Wars Super Probotector: Alien Rebels Operation C (Game Boy) Contra: Hard Corps (Genesis) / Probotector (Mega Drive) KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION
The update includes specific shader tweaks for handheld mode. The pixel grid filter now runs at native 720p resolution without the battery drain previously associated with the CRT filter.
Konami compiled 8 titles (spanning 10 versions due to regional differences) for this collection. On paper, it looks robust, but deep examination reveals holes.
What’s Included:
The Glaring Omissions: This is where the "Update" aspect hurts. Unlike the Castlevania Anniversary Collection, which received a substantial post-launch update adding regional versions, the Contra collection feels static.