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

Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the original game and an upgrade on the same cartridge. This confirmation comes after initial confusion caused by conflicting reports from customer service statements. However, Nintendo emphasized that some publishers might opt to release these games as download codes within physical packaging, which would not include a game card.

Here is the 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 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games boast 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 with additional features. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now include support for the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, offering game assistance, alongside new achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also announced that some new Nintendo 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 only provide a download key, meaning you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging for these cards will clearly indicate this on the lower front portion of the box, ensuring consumers are well-informed about their purchase.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster utilize this game-key card system, whereas Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, the large-scale Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.