"Nintendo Clarifies: Switch 2 Games Include Game and Upgrade on Cart"

Nintendo has officially clarified recent confusion regarding the content of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game cartridges. Contrary to some earlier reports based on conflicting customer service responses, Nintendo assures players that physical Switch 2 Edition titles will indeed include both the original game and its enhancement pack directly on the same cartridge. This confirmation comes following growing speculation about whether certain editions might only contain upgrade data.

However, the company also noted an important distinction: while most physical Switch 2 Edition games are self-contained on a single game card—requiring no additional downloads—some third-party publishers may choose to offer their Switch 2 Edition titles as download codes packaged in physical boxes without an actual game card inside. This nuance is crucial for consumers looking to purchase physical copies of upcoming titles.

What’s Included in Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games?

The standard format for Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games includes two components on one cartridge: the original Nintendo Switch title and the enhanced version or expansion pack designed specifically for the new system. This means no separate download is required—you insert the card and get everything instantly. Nintendo confirmed this format in a direct statement to Vooks:

“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.”

Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Titles

Some of the $79.99-priced Switch 2 Edition packages already announced 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 editions go beyond simple visual enhancements. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes feature via the Nintendo Switch App, offering players helpful in-game tips and guidance. Additionally, these upgraded versions now include achievements—a first for many Nintendo titles on Switch.

Understanding Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards vs. Game-Key Cards

It’s also essential to distinguish between full-game Switch 2 cartridges and what Nintendo calls “game-key cards.” These cards do not contain the full game data but instead provide a redeemable key that must be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop after inserting the card into your console. Each box featuring a game-key card will clearly state this information on the lower portion of the front panel, helping buyers make informed choices before purchasing.

Examples of titles using the game-key card format include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. Meanwhile, other titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza come fully loaded on the cart. Notably, even large-scale games like Cyberpunk 2077, which clocks in at a hefty 64 GB on Switch 2, will ship fully contained on the physical cartridge—making it easier for players without high-speed internet access to enjoy the game right away.