Nintendo has officially confirmed that games for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition come with both the original game and an upgrade directly on the cartridge. This clarification comes after some confusion caused by conflicting reports from customer service statements, which suggested that the games might not include the game itself.
In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo clarified that physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will indeed contain the original Nintendo Switch game along with its upgrade pack on the same game card. However, they also noted that some publishers might opt to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without any game card included.
Here is 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.”
The $79.99 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 enhancements over their original Nintendo Switch counterparts. For instance, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App for game assistance and include achievements on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also recently announced that some new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but will instead include a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical cards that only provide a download code for the game, meaning you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of the box to avoid any confusion about what you're purchasing.
Examples of games that come with this game-key card disclaimer include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, while games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
