Nintendo Fine Print Reveals 'Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' Games and Fans Are Trying to Work Out What That Means

Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of a new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked both surprise and curiosity among fans. A significant point of discussion arises from a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage, which has led to speculation about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

The webpage detailing how Virtual Game Cards work includes a footnote that reads:

**Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To move virtual game cards between two systems, you must pair the systems via local wireless and an internet connection, but only when pairing the systems for the first time. Up to two systems total can be linked per Nintendo Account.

The term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has caught the attention of the community. While "exclusive games" for the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected and understood to be playable only on the new console, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has stirred debate. Given the known backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 with the original Switch, the nature of these "Edition" games is unclear.

Some fans theorize that this could mean "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, which would offer new features or improved performance specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. These editions would be incompatible with the original Switch, as they would be designed to take advantage of the new console's capabilities.

However, others believe this footnote may not confirm anything definitive. It could simply indicate that certain Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they are the same title. Alternatively, it might be a provision that allows third-party developers to release "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games in the future, should they choose to do so.

In an attempt to clarify these speculations, we reached out to Nintendo. A spokesperson informed us that they would provide an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Fans will need to wait just a bit longer for official confirmation on what "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" entail.