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

Nintendo has officially clarified that physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include both the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade pack directly on the same game card. This clears up earlier confusion sparked by inconsistent reports from customer service representatives suggesting the base game might not be included.

In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo confirmed:
“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.”

Priced at $79.99, the 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 editions offer notable improvements over their original versions. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes feature in the Nintendo Switch App, offering in-game hints and tips. Additionally, they now include achievements on Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

7 Images

Nintendo also revealed that certain Switch 2 game cards won’t contain the full game data. Instead, they function as game-key cards—physical cards that only hold a download code. Once inserted into the Switch 2, the system prompts you to download the full game from the Nintendo eShop.

To avoid confusion, every game-key card packaging will clearly display a label on the lower front of the box indicating it requires a download. This ensures buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing.

Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer. In contrast, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza include the full game on the cartridge. Notably, The beefy Cyberpunk 2077, which takes up 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, is delivered directly on the game card to minimize download times.