Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Unveiled, Fans Speculate

Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of a new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked surprise and interest among fans. However, it has also raised intriguing questions, particularly regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.

The webpage detailing the Virtual Game Cards feature explains how it works, with most of the information being fairly straightforward. Yet, a footnote at the bottom of the page linked to the feature of moving games between Switch systems has caught the attention of many. The footnote states:

**Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To move virtual game cards between two systems, you must pair the systems via local wireless and an internet connection, but only when pairing the systems for the first time. Up to two systems total can be linked per Nintendo Account.

The phrase "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is what's causing the buzz. While the mention of "exclusive games" is clear, as we already knew that some games would be playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2 and not the current Switch, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has led to speculation. It's known that the Nintendo Switch 2 is largely backwards compatible with the original Switch, so what exactly does a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game" entail?

Some fans theorize that this could be a subtle confirmation of "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, featuring new enhancements or improved performance, exclusively for the Switch 2. If this is the case, it would explain why these editions couldn't be shared with a Switch 1, as they might not function properly on the older hardware, essentially making them a different version from those on the original Switch.

However, there are other theories as well. Some believe this doesn't confirm anything new but suggests that users won't be able to use the Virtual Game Card feature to send certain Nintendo Switch 2 games back to the Switch 1, even if they are the same game. Another perspective is that this footnote might not indicate anything specific at the moment but leaves room for third-party developers to release "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games in the future if they choose to do so.

We reached out to Nintendo for clarification but were informed by a spokesperson that we would receive an answer on April 2, the date of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait just a bit longer for more details.