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

Nintendo has officially clarified that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include both the original game and its enhancement pack directly on the game card itself.

Confusion emerged after contradictory reports—some based on statements from customer service representatives—suggested that Switch 2 Edition titles might not contain the base game. However, Nintendo has since addressed the issue directly.

In an official statement to Vooks, the company confirmed that physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges are designed as standalone products, housing both the original title and its upgraded content on a single game card. This means no download code is required for access to either component.

That said, Nintendo also noted that some third-party publishers may choose to release their own Switch 2 Edition titles differently—as physical packages containing only a digital download code rather than an actual game card.

Here’s the full statement:

“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.”

At $79.99, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition 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 offer enhanced experiences over their original releases.

For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now feature integration with the Zelda Notes service via the Nintendo Switch App, offering in-game tips and hints. Additionally, these titles now support achievements—a long-requested feature by players—on the Switch 2 platform.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Packaging

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In other related news, Nintendo has also confirmed that certain Nintendo Switch 2 game cards won’t actually contain the full game data. Instead, they will function as game-key cards, which are essentially physical cards that hold only a download key for the game.

When inserted into your Switch 2 console, these cards prompt you to download the full game from the Nintendo eShop. There is no onboard game data stored directly on the card. To help consumers identify what they're purchasing, each game-key card package will clearly state this information at the bottom of the front box panel.

Titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster have been confirmed to use this format. Meanwhile, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, even larger titles such as [ttpp]Cyberpunk 2077[/ttpp], which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, will ship fully loaded on the cartridge itself.