Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Unveiled: Fans Speculate on Meaning

Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of a new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked both surprise and interest among fans. However, it has also raised several questions, particularly regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.

The page detailing how Virtual Game Cards function is mostly clear, but a footnote at the bottom has caught the attention of many:

**Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To move virtual game cards between two systems, you must pair the systems via local wireless and an internet connection, but only when pairing the systems for the first time. Up to two systems total can be linked per Nintendo Account.

The phrase "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is what's causing the buzz. While the mention of "exclusive games" aligns with what we knew about games designed solely for the Nintendo Switch 2, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear, especially since the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be largely backwards compatible with the original Switch.

Some fans speculate that "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" could refer to enhanced versions of existing Switch games, featuring new elements or improved performance, available only on the Switch 2. This would explain why these editions couldn't be shared with a Switch 1, as they would be distinct versions that wouldn't run properly on the older hardware.

However, alternative theories suggest that this footnote might not confirm any new editions but simply indicate that the Virtual Game Card feature won't allow Nintendo Switch 2 games to be transferred back to the Switch 1, even if they're the same title. Another possibility is that this footnote leaves room for third-party developers to create "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of their games in the future.

In an attempt to clarify these points, we reached out to Nintendo. A spokesperson responded that we would receive an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait just a bit longer for official clarification.