Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Cartridges Include Full Game and Upgrades

Nintendo has verified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the full game and its upgrade pack on a single cartridge.

Recent confusion stemmed from customer service statements suggesting Switch 2 Edition games might exclude the base game.

In a response to Vooks, Nintendo clarified that this is inaccurate, though some publishers may opt for download codes in physical packaging instead of game cards.

Nintendo’s official statement reads:

“Physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games include both the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade pack on a single game card (exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, with no download code). However, some publishers may provide Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, without a game card.”

Switch 2 Edition games priced at $79.99 include 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 Switch 2 Edition titles enhance their original Switch versions with upgrades like support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App for in-game assistance and new achievement systems on Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

Nintendo recently noted that some Switch 2 game cards may not contain game data, instead providing a download key.

Switch 2 game-key cards are physical cards with a download code, requiring an internet connection to access the game. These cases are clearly marked on the lower front of the box for easy identification.

Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster include this game-key card label, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Cyberpunk 2077, requiring 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, is available on cartridge.