Nintendo Clarifies: Switch 2 Games Include Game and Upgrade on Cart

Nintendo has officially clarified that games labeled as Switch 2 Edition include both the original game and an upgrade on the same cartridge. This announcement came after some confusion sparked by conflicting reports from customer service statements suggesting otherwise. In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while most Switch 2 Edition games will come on a single game card, some publishers might opt to distribute these games as download codes packaged in physical boxes without a game card.

Here’s the full 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, the Switch 2 Edition games on offer include 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 enhance the original Nintendo Switch versions with additional features such as support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, which offers in-game assistance, and new achievements exclusive to Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards will function differently. Instead of containing the actual game data, these Switch 2 game-key cards will include a key for downloading the game. This means you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These game-key card cases will be clearly marked on the lower front portion of the packaging, ensuring consumers know exactly what they're purchasing.

Examples of games using this game-key card approach include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. On the other hand, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not utilize this method. Meanwhile, the expansive Cyberpunk 2077, requiring 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is distributed on a physical cartridge.