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

Nintendo has officially clarified the nature of its Switch 2 Edition games, confirming that these titles come with both the game and its upgrade on a single cartridge. This clarification comes after some confusion sparked by comments from customer service representatives, which suggested that Switch 2 Edition games might not include the game itself.

In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo made it clear that the physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will indeed contain the original Nintendo Switch game and the upgrade on the same game card. However, they also noted that some publishers may opt to release these games as download codes packaged in physical boxes, without an actual game card included.

Here is 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, some of the Switch 2 Edition games 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 experiences compared to their original Switch versions. For instance, titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now feature additional support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, which provides in-game help, as well as new 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 not contain the game data itself but instead will hold a key for a game download. These game-key cards require a download after insertion into the Switch 2. The packaging for these products will clearly indicate this on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they're purchasing.

Notable titles that utilize the game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. In contrast, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this system. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077, which has a large file size of 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.