Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Hint at New Console

Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of the new Virtual Game Cards feature, which allows for game sharing between systems, has sparked both surprise and intrigue among fans. However, it has also prompted questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.

The page detailing how Virtual Game Cards function is mostly clear, but a footnote at the bottom has caught the community's attention. It states:

**Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To move virtual game cards between two systems, you must pair the systems via local wireless and an internet connection, but only when pairing the systems for the first time. Up to two systems total can be linked per Nintendo Account.

The term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is what's stirring curiosity. While "exclusive games" for the Switch 2 are expected and understood to be playable only on that system, the concept of "Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is known to be largely backward compatible with the original Switch, what exactly constitutes a "Switch 2 Edition game"?

Some fans theorize that this could be a hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, optimized with new features or better performance exclusively for the Switch 2. This would explain why these editions couldn't be shared back to the original Switch, as they would be fundamentally different from their Switch 1 counterparts.

However, others believe this footnote doesn't necessarily confirm anything new. It might simply indicate that certain Switch 2 games won't be transferable to the original Switch, even if they're the same title. Alternatively, it could be setting the stage for future releases by third-party developers who might opt to create "Switch 2 Editions" of their games.

In an attempt to clarify these points, we contacted Nintendo. A spokesperson informed us that they would provide an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Fans will need to wait a bit longer for official confirmation.