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

Nintendo has officially confirmed that games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will include both the original game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification comes after initial confusion sparked by conflicting reports from customer service statements that suggested otherwise.

In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that the physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will feature the game and its upgrade on a single game card, specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, they noted that some publishers might opt to distribute these editions as download codes packaged in physical boxes, devoid of any game card.

Here’s 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 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, priced at $79.99, 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 Switch counterparts. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now include support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game assistance, and introduce achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo also recently clarified that certain new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical cards that you insert into your Nintendo Switch 2 to initiate 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.

Notable titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer, whereas games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.