Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 "Complete Edition" Cartridges

Nintendo has officially confirmed that Switch 2 Edition game cartridges include both the original game and its upgrade pack.

Previous confusion stemmed from mixed reports, where customer service representatives suggested that Switch 2 Edition releases might not come with the physical game.

In a statement provided to Vooks, Nintendo clarified the situation, confirming that physical Switch 2 Edition versions do include the game on the cartridge. However, the company noted that some publishers might opt to sell the Switch 2 Edition as a download code inside a physical case, with no game card included.

Here is the official statement from Nintendo:

"Physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will contain the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade on a single game card. These are dedicated Switch 2 game cards and do not require a download code. Alternatively, some publishers may offer the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition as a digital download code packaged in a physical box without a game card."

$79.99 Switch 2 Edition titles include 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 improve on the original Switch games in various ways. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now support the Zelda Notes feature in the Nintendo Switch Online app, offering in-game assistance. Achievements are also supported on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Nintendo has also confirmed that some upcoming Switch 2 game cards will not contain the full game and will instead provide a code to download it.

These game-key cards are physical products that only include a redemption code for a digital download. This means the card inserted into your Switch 2 does not hold any game data, requiring a full download after redemption. To help consumers identify these, each game-key card package will be clearly labeled on the front of the box.

Titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster carry this game-key card notice. However, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The data-heavy Cyberpunk 2077, which is 64 GB on the Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.