Nintendo has cleared the air of uncertainty about the physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 games. According to a spokesperson for the company, first-party titles being sold as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions will have the full game and its upgrade pack pre-installed on one physical game card—no downloading necessary.
For physical game collectors and fans of plug-and-play ease, this gesture from the Big N is well-appreciated.
First-Party Games Get the Full Treatment
Following Nintendo's recent announcement of the Switch 2, numerous fans wondered if game cards would contain all the content or if there would be extra downloads required. The tech world was abuzz with speculation, particularly with the announcement of game-key cards, which serve as virtual keys to enable full game downloads.
In a statement made available to Vooks, a representative from Nintendo cleared the air:
"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)," the spokesperson said.
That implies titles such as "Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," "Super Mario Party Jamboree," and more will be released completely whole. These upgraded versions will take advantage of the Switch 2's increased performance and new features, providing improved gameplay straight from the box.
Improved Gameplay, New Features, and Increased Price
Switch 2 Edition releases will not simply be re-packaged re-releases of existing games. According to Eurogamer, these releases come with significant improvements like greater frame rates, improved camera features, larger in-game worlds, and increased control options.
Of course, these enhancements do not come cheap. The enhanced games should cost £65 in the UK ($85), a price that captures the value addition and new hardware support.
Third-party Publishers Might Still Be Based on Download Codes
As much as Nintendo is holding the high bar for physical releases, there is a likelihood that third-party companies will take another approach. It seems, again from the same announcement, some publishers might use the download codes to put games in physical packs but provide no actual game card. This comes on the back of what's been done so far on the initial Switch and might be replicated due to logistical or financial necessity.
Nintendo's move to put full games and updates on one game card is a huge victory for classic gamers and collectors. It makes ownership easier, prevents download frustrations, and ensures the physical copies have actual value.
Assuming you're purchasing a first-party title, you can have the full experience out of the box without needing an internet connection.
