Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Game Cart Dual-Play Option

Nintendo confirms that Switch 2 Edition cartridges contain both the base game and upgrade content directly on the physical game card.

Earlier confusion stemmed from inconsistent customer service remarks suggesting these editions might not include the actual game.

The company clarified to Vooks that while this isn't true for standard releases, some publishers may opt to distribute Switch 2 Editions as download codes packaged physically without game cards.

Nintendo's official statement reads:

"Physical Switch 2 Edition releases will include both the original Switch title and its enhancement pack on a single cartridge (specifically designed Switch 2 game cards, no download required). Alternatively, select publishers may offer Switch 2 Editions as boxed download codes without physical media."

The $79.99 Switch 2 Edition lineup features 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 versions offer multiple improvements over their Switch counterparts. For instance, Zelda titles now integrate with the Switch App's Zelda Notes assistance feature and introduce a Switch 2 achievement system.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Packaging

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Nintendo recently disclosed that certain Switch 2 cartridges won't contain playable games, functioning instead as download keys.

These game-key cards serve solely to unlock digital downloads, requiring users to install the title after inserting the empty cartridge. Clear labeling on the box's lower front helps consumers identify these products before purchase.

Titles like Street Fighter 6 and Bravely Default remaster carry this distinction, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza don't. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077's massive 64 GB Switch 2 version ships on actual game media.