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

Nintendo has officially clarified that games labeled as "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" include both the original game and its upgrade on a single cartridge. This statement came in response to earlier confusion sparked by customer service comments suggesting otherwise. In their communication with Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while most Switch 2 Edition games will be fully contained on the cartridge, some publishers might opt to distribute these games as download codes within physical packaging, devoid of any game card.

Here's Nintendo's official statement:

“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 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games currently available 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 offer enhanced features over their original Switch versions. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service through the Nintendo Switch App, which aids gameplay, and also introduce achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 Images

Nintendo has also confirmed that certain Switch 2 game cards will serve merely as keys for game downloads, containing no actual game data. These game-key cards require you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. Each game-key card package will clearly indicate this on the front lower section of the box, ensuring buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, whereas Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, with its hefty 64 GB size on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available fully on a cartridge.