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

Nintendo has clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the game and an upgrade pack on the same cartridge. This statement came after some confusion sparked by reports from customer service staff suggesting otherwise. In a direct statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that the physical versions of Switch 2 Edition games will contain the full game and its upgrade on one game card. However, they noted that some publishers might opt to release these games as download codes within physical packaging, without a game card.

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 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 in the Nintendo Switch App for game help and feature achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that not all new Switch 2 game cards will include the actual game on the cartridge. Instead, some will come with a download key. These game-key cards contain only a key to download the game, requiring you to download the game data after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging of these game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of the box, helping consumers identify what they are purchasing.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster are examples of titles featuring the game-key card disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, with its large 64 GB size on Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a full game cartridge.