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

Nintendo has officially confirmed that games labeled as Switch 2 Edition will include both the original game and the upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification comes after initial confusion sparked by conflicting reports based on comments from customer service representatives, which suggested that these editions might not include the game itself.

In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo clarified the situation: "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 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 enhance the original Switch versions with various improvements. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now offer additional support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, which provides in-game assistance, as well as achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also announced that not all Switch 2 game cards will contain the actual game data. Instead, some will be game-key cards, which are physical cards that only contain a key to download the game. Once inserted into the Switch 2, these cards require a download to access the game. The packaging for game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the lower front portion of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster utilize this game-key card system, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, the large-scale Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a traditional game card.