Nintendo has officially confirmed that the physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the original game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification came after some confusion caused by conflicting reports from customer service statements. In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while the Switch 2 Edition games do include the game and upgrade on the cartridge, some publishers might opt to release these games as download codes within physical packaging, without including 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 include titles like 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 enhance the original Nintendo Switch versions with new features. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now include additional support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, which offers in-game help, as well as achievements on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also recently announced that some 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, when inserted into the Switch 2, prompt a download of the game. The packaging for these game-key cards will clearly indicate this on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring consumers know what they are purchasing.
Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster are examples that feature this game-key card system, while titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, with a size of 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
