Nintendo Confirms Full Switch 2 Edition Games Will Be on Physical Cards

Nintendo has made it clear that Switch 2 editions of their original games will come complete on physical game cards, with no extra downloads needed. This clarification comes after some confusion following the Switch 2's recent unveiling.

According to a statement Nintendo gave to Vooks, "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. They are exclusively Nintendo Switch 2 game cards, with no download code."

This means popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Super Mario Party Jamboree will be fully playable straight from the card. Players won't need to download additional content to enjoy these games.

However, this guarantee only applies to Nintendo's own games. The company noted that "some publishers may release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, with no game card." This suggests third-party game makers might choose different approaches for their titles.

The confusion started when Nintendo announced the new console would support both regular game cards and "game-key cards." The game-key cards would essentially work as physical keys that let players download the full game, rather than containing the game itself.

Still, the price point remains a significant factor, with some games costing over $80 and breaking the barrier. For example, Mario Kart World is priced at $80 in the United States, while physical copies in Europe are priced at €90.

One fun detail remains unchanged from the original Switch – Nintendo has confirmed the game cards will still taste intentionally awful. This unusual feature was designed to prevent young children from swallowing the small cards.

For now, all eyes are on June 5 as the Switch 2 reaches gamers' hands. However, ongoing tariff issues are causing uncertainty in the market regarding its release date and price.