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

Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will indeed contain both the original game and its upgrade on the cartridge itself, dispelling earlier confusion caused by conflicting reports from customer service statements. This confirmation came in a statement provided to Vooks, where Nintendo explained that physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will exclusively feature Nintendo Switch 2 game cards with both the game and the upgrade included, with no need for a download code.

However, Nintendo also noted that some publishers might opt for a different approach by releasing Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, which would not include a game card. This option provides flexibility for publishers but might be a point of confusion for consumers expecting a physical 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 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games offer enhanced versions of beloved titles. Examples 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 provide improvements over their original Switch counterparts, such as the addition of the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, along with achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead will provide a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards, while physical, do not include game data on the card itself. Upon insertion into the Switch 2, the game must be downloaded. Each game-key card case will clearly indicate this on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Examples of games utilizing the game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, whereas games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this method. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a traditional game card.