Nintendo has officially confirmed that games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will include both the game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification comes after initial confusion caused by differing statements from customer service representatives, which suggested that the games might not contain the actual game.
In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while the standard for Switch 2 Edition games is to have both the game and its upgrade on a single game card, some publishers may opt for a different approach. These publishers might choose to offer the Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without including 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 include titles such as 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 Nintendo Switch counterparts. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game assistance, and also feature achievements on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also clarified that some new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead will include a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical cards that only provide a download key, requiring you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging for these game-key cards will clearly indicate this on the lower front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.
Examples of games using this game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of storage on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
