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

Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will contain both the original game and its upgrade directly on the cartridge. This clarification came in response to earlier confusion sparked by varying statements from customer service representatives, which suggested that the games might not include the base game. In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo made it clear that while their Switch 2 Edition games will always include both elements on the game card, some third-party publishers might opt for a different approach. These publishers may release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes packaged in physical boxes, without any game card included.

Nintendo's statement reads: “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 versions offer enhanced experiences over their original Nintendo Switch counterparts. 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, providing in-game assistance and achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that not all Switch 2 game cards will include the actual game data. Some will be game-key cards, which only provide a key to download the game. When you insert these cards into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game separately. These game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they're buying.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will utilize this game-key card format. In contrast, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not follow this approach. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which has a hefty 64 GB size on the Nintendo Switch 2, will come with the game directly on the cartridge.