Overview
- Nintendo has confirmed that physical editions of Switch 2 games will come with both the base game and an upgrade pack included on a single game card.
- Switch 2 Edition releases not only enhance performance but also introduce new content in titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree.
- While certain publishers may choose to include download codes in their physical packages, Nintendo-published games will have all necessary content on the game card itself.
Nintendo has recently addressed the misconceptions regarding its Switch 2 Edition games, particularly about whether the physical releases would include a download code. The last few weeks have been a mixed bag for the gaming giant, highlighted by the excitement of revealing the Switch 2 console paired with criticisms over pricing and delays in pre-orders across various regions.
In light of the new console launch, Nintendo confirmed that several existing Switch titles will receive special editions tailored for the Switch 2. These editions not only boast performance improvements, such as in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, but also offer additional content. Gamers will have the option to purchase the newly updated versions or apply an upgrade if they already own the standard game. However, this has led to some confusion about what will actually be included in the physical copies of these games.
Since the announcement, there has been considerable discussion among fans regarding the contents of physical editions of Nintendo Switch 2 games, particularly relating to the possibility of download codes for additional content. In a statement provided to Vooks, a Nintendo representative clarified that the physical editions will include the full game and upgrade pack on the same cartridge, eliminating the need for any download codes for Nintendo-published titles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Download Codes Not Required
Nevertheless, Nintendo has warned that some third-party publishers might decide to adopt a different approach, possibly opting for download codes instead of game cartridges, as seen with the upcoming Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. Fans express concern that having a download code would hinder the ability to share, sell, or trade the game, since it would merely replace the original Switch version.
So far, Nintendo has announced a limited number of Switch 2 Edition games, reassuring players that most original Switch titles will be compatible through backward compatibility. Among the highlighted games are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, with enhanced versions of popular titles such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Pokemon Legends Z-A, along with both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Notably, subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can access both Legend of Zelda upgrades at no cost, while other players will need to pay $9.99.