Nintendo has put an end to the swirling rumors by confirming that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the original game and the upgrade packed onto the same cartridge. This clarification comes after some confusion sparked by customer service statements suggesting otherwise. In a clear statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while their Switch 2 Edition games will always include the full game on the cartridge, third-party publishers might opt for a different approach.
Nintendo's official statement reads, "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."
The $79.99 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 enhanced editions offer improved features over their original Switch counterparts. For instance, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service through the Nintendo Switch App, which provides in-game assistance. Additionally, these games introduce achievements on the Switch 2 platform.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also shed light on another format for Switch 2 games. Some Switch 2 game cards will not contain the game data itself but will instead serve as a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards require you to insert them into your Switch 2 and download the game from the eShop. To ensure clarity for consumers, these game-key card packages are clearly labeled on the front lower portion of the box.
Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster utilize this game-key card system, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, with its hefty 64 GB size on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a full game card.
