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

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games come with both the game and the upgrade packed on the cartridge itself. This clarification comes after some confusion fueled by conflicting reports stemming from customer service statements, which suggested that these editions might not include the actual game.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo set the record straight, although they noted that some publishers might opt to distribute Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without including a game card.

“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 enhancements 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, along with the introduction of achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo also recently confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards will not include an actual game on the cartridge but will instead provide a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical items that only contain a download key, requiring an internet connection to access the full game after insertion into the Switch 2. Each game-key card package will have a clear disclaimer on the front lower portion of the box, alerting consumers to the nature of their purchase.

Titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer. In contrast, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this system. Meanwhile, the hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a full game cartridge.