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

Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will indeed come with both the game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification comes after some confusion sparked by customer service statements suggesting otherwise. In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo confirmed that the physical versions of these games will be exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 game cards, including no download code. However, they also noted that some publishers might opt to release these games as download codes within physical packaging, without including a game card.

Nintendo's 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."

Priced at $79.99, the Switch 2 Edition games offer enhanced experiences over their original Switch counterparts. 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 are part of this lineup. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now come with added support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, offering in-game assistance, as well as new achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has further detailed that not all Switch 2 game cards will contain the actual game data. Some will serve as game-key cards, which include a key for downloading the game instead. These cards require an internet connection to download the game once inserted into the Switch 2. To avoid confusion, these game-key card cases are clearly marked on the lower front of the box, giving buyers immediate clarity on their purchase.

Examples of games that use this game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. In contrast, titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not feature this disclaimer. Meanwhile, larger games like Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, are available directly on the game card.