"Switch 2 Games Include Game and Upgrade, Nintendo Confirms"

Nintendo has officially clarified the contents of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, confirming that these games include both the original game and the upgrade on the same cartridge. This statement comes in response to earlier confusion sparked by conflicting reports and comments from customer service representatives, which suggested that the Switch 2 Edition might not include the game itself.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo explained 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, they also noted that some publishers might opt to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without including a game card.

Some of the $79.99 Switch 2 Edition games include 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 support the Zelda Notes service through 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 confirmed that certain new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the game itself but instead will feature a key for a game download. These game-key cards are physical cards that only provide a key for downloading the game, requiring an internet connection to access the full game after inserting the card. To avoid confusion, these game-key card cases are clearly labeled on the lower front of the packaging.

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