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

Nintendo has officially clarified that games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Edition include both the original game and an upgrade on the cartridge itself. This clarification came after confusion arose from conflicting reports based on customer service comments, which suggested that the games might not contain the actual game.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo confirmed that "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)." However, Nintendo also noted that some publishers might choose to release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without including a game card.

Priced at $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 versions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game assistance, and they also feature achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also introduced a new type of product for the Switch 2: game-key cards. These are physical cards that only contain a key for downloading the game, rather than the game data itself. You will need to insert the card into your Switch 2 to initiate the download. These game-key card cases are clearly labeled on the lower front of the packaging, ensuring buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster use this game-key card format, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is released on a traditional cartridge.