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

Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the original game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This statement comes in response to earlier confusion sparked by customer service comments suggesting otherwise. However, Nintendo emphasized that while their Switch 2 Edition games will always include the full game on the cartridge, some third-party publishers might opt to release their Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without a game card.

Nintendo's official statement to Vooks 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 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 enhanced features over their original Nintendo Switch counterparts. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game assistance, and also feature achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead will include a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical cards that, when inserted into the Switch 2, prompt a download of the game. The packaging for these game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Examples of games using this game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. In contrast, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this system. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of storage on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.