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

Nintendo has officially clarified the confusion surrounding the content of Switch 2 Edition games. Contrary to earlier customer service reports, these games do indeed come with both the original game and its upgrade on a single cartridge. However, Nintendo also noted that some publishers might opt to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, without a game card.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized:

"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, Switch 2 Edition games 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 enhance the original Switch versions in various ways. For instance, 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, along with achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 ImagesNintendo has also confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards will not contain the game data itself but will instead include a key for a game download. These game-key cards require you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging of these game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, ensuring buyers are aware of what they're purchasing.

Notable games using this game-key card format include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not follow this approach. On the other hand, the hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a physical cartridge.