Nintendo has clarified the contents of their Switch 2 Edition games, dispelling any confusion caused by previous reports. The company confirmed that the Switch 2 Edition games will indeed include both the original game and its upgrade on the cartridge itself. This statement was made in response to Vooks, addressing earlier misunderstandings that stemmed from comments by customer service representatives.
However, Nintendo also noted that some publishers might choose to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, which would not include a game card. Here is the official 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 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 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 for in-game assistance, and they also introduce achievements on the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo has also confirmed that some new 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 only provide a download key, requiring you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging for these game-key cards will clearly indicate this on the lower front 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. On the other hand, 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.