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 the upgrade on the cartridge itself. This statement was issued to address confusion stemming from earlier reports based on comments from customer service representatives suggesting otherwise. Nintendo emphasized that while most Switch 2 Edition games will include everything on the game card, some publishers might opt to provide these games as download codes within physical packaging, without any game card included.

Here's the official 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.”

The $79.99 Switch 2 Edition games include 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 Nintendo Switch versions with various improvements. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now feature additional support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App, providing in-game help, along with the introduction of achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but rather a key for a game download. These game-key cards are physical cards that include a code to download the game, requiring an internet connection to access the full game after inserting the card. The packaging for these game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, ensuring buyers are aware of what they're purchasing.

Examples of games using this game-key card approach include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. In contrast, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this method. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which has a large file size of 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes with the full game on the cartridge.