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. However, it has also led to some questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a revealing footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The page detailing how Virtual Game Cards function is mostly clear, but it's the footnote at the bottom that has caught everyone's attention. It states:
**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" is what's causing the confusion. While "exclusive games" are expected, given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is known to be mostly backward compatible with the original Switch, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear.
Some fans believe this could be a hint that there will be "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, tailored for the Switch 2 with added features or improved performance. These editions would not be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they cannot be shared via Virtual Game Cards.
However, there are other theories. Some speculate that this might not confirm enhanced editions but rather indicate that certain Switch 2 games cannot be sent back to the original Switch using the new feature, even if they are the same game. Another possibility is that this footnote simply sets the stage for future third-party releases of "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson informed us that we would receive an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, everyone, just a bit more patience is needed.
