Nintendo has officially clarified the confusion surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, confirming that these games will include both the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification comes after mixed messages from customer service led to speculation that the games might not include the game itself on the cartridge.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that while the physical versions of Switch 2 Edition games will contain the game and the upgrade on the same card, some publishers might opt to release these games as download codes in physical packaging, without a game card.

Here’s the full 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 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 enhance the original Switch versions with various improvements. 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, offering in-game assistance, and feature achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 Images

Nintendo has also confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead will include a key for downloading the game. These game-key cards are physical cards that only provide a download key, requiring you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. The packaging for these game-key cards will clearly indicate this on the lower front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Examples of games using this game-key card system include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of storage on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.