Nintendo has officially confirmed that Switch 2 Edition games contain both the base game and upgrade content on a single cartridge.
Initial confusion arose when customer service representatives provided conflicting information, suggesting these editions might not include physical game cards. Nintendo has now clarified to Vooks that the Switch 2 Edition releases will feature complete game data on cartridge - though some publishers may opt for digital-only packaging containing download codes instead.
Here's Nintendo's official statement:
"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 lineup includes 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 enhanced versions offer various improvements over their original Switch counterparts. The Zelda titles (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) now feature expanded Zelda Notes support through the Nintendo Switch App for gameplay assistance, along with new achievement support exclusive to Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Nintendo also confirmed that some upcoming Switch 2 game cards won't contain actual game data, functioning instead as download codes packaged in physical media.
These game-key cards only store a digital license, requiring players to download the full title after inserting the card. All packaging for such releases will clearly indicate this format with special labeling on the front cover's lower section.
Select titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will use this distribution method, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza maintain traditional cartridge-based formats. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077's hefty 64GB Switch 2 version will ship on a physical game card.
