Nintendo has officially clarified the contents of their Switch 2 Edition games, putting an end to earlier confusion. Contrary to some reports, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 Edition games will indeed contain both the original game and its upgrade on the same cartridge. This clarification came after some customer service comments suggested otherwise.

In a statement to Vooks, Nintendo specified that "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)." However, they also noted that some publishers might opt to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes within physical packaging, without an actual 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 offer enhanced features over their original Nintendo Switch versions. For instance, games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes service within the Nintendo Switch App, which provides in-game assistance, and they also introduce achievements on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also revealed that not all Switch 2 game cards will include actual game data. Some will function as game-key cards, containing only a key for downloading the game. These cards will require an internet connection to download the game once inserted into the Switch 2. To avoid confusion, these game-key card cases will be clearly labeled on the front of the box, allowing consumers to know exactly what they are buying.

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