Nintendo has officially confirmed that games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Edition come with both the original game and its upgrade included on the cartridge. This clarification comes after initial confusion due to conflicting statements from customer service representatives suggesting otherwise.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo emphasized that physical copies of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will indeed contain the full game and its upgrade on a single game card, specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, they also noted that some publishers might opt to distribute these editions as download codes within physical packaging, without including a game card.

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 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games include titles like 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 versions, such as the addition of the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, along with new achievements exclusive to the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also recently announced that some Nintendo Switch 2 game cards will function as game-key cards, which contain a key for downloading the game rather than the game data itself. These game-key cards require an internet connection to download the game once inserted into the console. To help consumers make informed purchases, these game-key card cases will feature a clear disclaimer on the front lower portion of the box.

Examples of games utilizing game-key cards include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, whereas titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this system. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, with its large 64 GB file size on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a traditional game card.