Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 2 editions of original first-party Switch games will have the full game on the card rather than requiring a download – though that may not be the case for third-party titles.
Since the Switch 2’s reveal last week, there’s been some confusion about what exactly will be included on physical game cards.
Nintendo previously stated the console will support both regular game cards and game-key cards, with the latter being a “key” to downloading the full game. It’s unclear at present which games will use which card type.
However, further confusion specifically arose around Switch 2 Edition games and whether the card would include both the original game and the upgrade package.
In a statement to Vooks, a Nintendo spokesperson said: “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 (ie. they are exclusively Nintendo Switch 2 game cards, with no download code).”
They added: “Alternatively, some publishers may release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, with no game card.”
This confirms the likes of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Super Mario Party Jamboree will be complete on the game card. Third-party publishers may still opt for download codes, though.
These Switch 2 Edition games upgrade the originals with new features to make use of the new console’s capabilities, be it improved frame rates or camera usage. They will cost £65 here in the UK.
In particular, Kirby and the Forgotten Land will include expanded worlds, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have mouse control support.
No matter what’s on the game card, though, don’t lick them – Nintendo has confirmed the cards still purposefully taste awful to stop players eating them.
For more on the new console, check out our hands-on with Switch 2 and its games.