Nintendo has provided clarity on the nature of Switch 2 Edition games, confirming that the physical versions of these games will contain both the original Nintendo Switch game and the upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification came after initial confusion sparked by customer service comments suggesting otherwise. In their statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while their Switch 2 Edition games will include everything on the cartridge, some publishers might opt to sell these games as download codes in physical packaging without a game card.
Here’s the official statement from Nintendo:
“Physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade pack all on the same game card (i.e., they are exclusively Nintendo Switch 2 game cards, with no download code). Alternatively, some publishers may release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, with no game card.”
Priced at $79.99, Switch 2 Edition games include titles like Kirby and The Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. These editions offer enhanced features over their original Switch counterparts. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App for game help and include achievements on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards will serve as keys for game downloads rather than containing the game data directly. These game-key cards are physical cards that only include a download key, requiring an internet connection to access the game after inserting the card into the Switch 2. The packaging for these game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the lower front of the box to inform buyers of their nature.
Examples of games using game-key cards include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, while games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this format. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a physical cartridge.
