Nintendo has officially clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include both the original game and its upgraded version on a single cartridge.
The confirmation comes after confusion spread due to varying reports based on statements from customer service representatives. These had led to speculation that the physical versions of Switch 2 Edition games might exclude the original game altogether.
According to Nintendo, while the majority of these titles will come fully packed on the game card, there are exceptions. Some publishers may opt to sell their Switch 2 Edition titles in physical boxes that contain only a download code, rather than an actual game card.
Nintendo’s Official Statement
Nintendo emphasized that physical editions of Switch 2 Edition games will have the base Nintendo Switch game along with its upgrade bundled on one cartridge. These are specifically made as Nintendo Switch 2 game cards and do not rely on separate download codes. However, it was noted that some publishers may choose to distribute their titles as download codes within physical packaging, which will not include a game card.
$79.99 Titles Offer Enhanced Gameplay
Several games available in the Switch 2 Edition lineup, priced at $79.99, include:
- Kirby and The Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
These upgraded versions deliver enhanced performance and added features compared to their original Nintendo Switch releases. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have been updated to include integration with the Zelda Notes feature in the Nintendo Switch App, offering additional in-game assistance. They also support achievement tracking on Switch 2.
Game Cards vs. Game Keys
Nintendo also highlighted a separate product type: the game-key card. These are physical cards that do not contain any game data but instead include a code to download the game digitally. Upon inserting the card into the Switch 2, players are prompted to download the full game.
Every game-key card will clearly display this on the front of the packaging, especially at the bottom section of the box. This labeling aims to ensure that consumers are fully aware of whether they are purchasing a game on cartridge or as a digital key.
Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster make use of this game-key format and are labeled accordingly. Meanwhile, games such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza come as full physical cartridges. One of the larger titles, Cyberpunk 2077, which is 64 GB in size on Switch 2, is also delivered on a game card.