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

Nintendo has officially clarified that their Switch 2 Edition games come with both the original game and its upgrade on a single cartridge. This statement comes after initial confusion sparked by reports based on customer service comments suggesting otherwise. In their clarification to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while their Switch 2 Edition games are fully contained on the cartridge, some publishers might choose to distribute these games as download codes in physical packaging without a game card.

Here’s the direct 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.”

Priced at $79.99, the Switch 2 Edition games offer enhanced versions of popular titles, including 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 bring significant improvements over their original Nintendo Switch counterparts. For instance, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now feature additional support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game assistance, as well as achievements exclusive to 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 feature a key for a game download. These game-key cards are physical cards that only provide a download code for the game, requiring you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These game-key card cases are clearly marked on the lower front of the box, ensuring consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster include this game-key card disclaimer, whereas others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which is a hefty 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes fully loaded on the cartridge.