PART TWO: NINTENDO SWITCH 2 GAMES & UPGRADES

Will Nintendo Switch (1) Games Be Playable on Nintendo Switch 2?
The majority of games that were released on Nintendo Switch will be playable on Nintendo Switch 2. Due to the new processor a specific ‘code translation’ (similar to emulation) that is required to get games operational on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has had to manually check all released games on Nintendo Switch (over 10.000).^[38] Nintendo has released a compatibility list of all games that will be unsupported on the Nintendo Switch 2. The only game that Nintendo has made that is not playable on Nintendo Switch 2 is Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, which is due to the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 console cannot be inserted into the Toy-Con VR Goggles accessory.^[39] There are games that have issues on Nintendo Switch 2, developed by third-party developers, that are currently under investigation by Nintendo. The first compatibility list released, update on April 1st 2025, makes a distinction between ‘start-up issues’^[40] and ‘in-game compatibility issues’^[41]. These lists may be updated in the future after more testing has been performed by Nintendo and the developers.

Finally, there are games that require the original Joy-Con controllers in order to function. These are games that rely on the shape, size and specific features of these controllers. As for writing these games are: Ring Fit Adventure, 1-2-Switch, Everybody 1-2-Switch, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Switch Sports, WarioWare: Move It!, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit and Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit. ^[42]

What are Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games?
For a selection of specific titles Nintendo will release enhanced versions of these games that make special use of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and capabilities. These games are distinctly marketed as ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ games.^[43] As of writing there are six Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games:
- Super Mario Party: Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

These games will be sold in stores and on the Nintendo eShop. Prices vary per game, as well as the additional content. For example, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will feature support for the mouse controls on Joy-Con 2 and support 120 frames per second in a special performance mode locked at a 1080p resolution. Super Mario Party: Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV will contain new modes and minigames that make use of Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, the mouse controls on Joy-Con 2 and the built-in microphone on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Both Legend of Zelda Games will support 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, increasing their original output and performance on Nintendo Switch, as well as ‘Zelda Notes’. A companion app that is part of the Nintendo Switch App for mobile devices that includes special voice messages, navigational tools, achievements and the ability to share designs in Tears of the Kingdom via a QR-code through Zelda Notes.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, will all be available at the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th. Please note that Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Breath of the Wild will not contain the Breath of the Wild: Expansion Pass DLC that contains both the Master Trials and The Champions’ Ballad content. This will need to be purchased separately by players who do not already own this expansion pass.^[44]

Super Mario Party: Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV will release on July 24th.  Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World will release on August 28th.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends Z-A as of writing have a release date of 2025 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

What’s in the box for a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game?

This information has been claimed by several publications through customer support requests and contact with Nintendo PR from different countries and regions. For Europe the messaging has been that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games sold in stores will contain a cartridge that has the Nintendo Switch (1) version of the game and the upgrade pack on the card. This same spokesperson claimed that for certain publishers there will be an option to just sell Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as downloadable codes in a physical package.^[45]

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Publication Vooks also reached out to Nintendo and got a similar confirmation through a spokesperson: "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 (i.e. they are exclusively Nintendo Switch 2 game cards, with no download code). Alternatively, some publishers may release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, with no game card.".^[99]

What are Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Packs?
If you already own a physical or digital version of any of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, you can purchase a separate upgrade pack. This is a download code that can be purchased via the Nintendo eShop or in stores and upgrades your Nintendo Switch version to a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game. This means you do not have to buy a new copy of the game you may already own.^[46]

The prices for upgrade packs are still to be determined for the majority of games. Nintendo has confirmed that the upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be sold at $9.99 USD each. ^[47]

Are there free Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Packs?
Upgrade packs will not be free, but if you own Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the higher tier version of Nintendo’s online service, you will receive both upgrade packs of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at no additional cost as long as you remain subscribed to the Expansion Pack. You will be required to have the physical or digital copy of the original game to get the upgrade pack.^[48]

Will Nintendo Switch 2 Games Be Sold On Cartridges?
Yes. Nintendo will still be publishing their games in a physical format for the Nintendo Switch 2. These cartridges have a higher reading speed and can store larger amounts of data. They are distinct from Nintendo Switch game cards, as these are a bright red color and feature the Nintendo Switch 2 banner on top. It’s been confirmed that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be sold as cartridges in their respective markets.

What are the prices of Nintendo Switch 2 games?

Overall the Nintendo Switch 2 will see an increase in price for first-party, Nintendo-developed, software. There is a difference between the price for a physical cartridge and a digital download for these titles in certain regions like Europe.

Mario Kart World for example will cost $79.99 (€89,99, JP¥9.980, £76.99 British Pounds, $119.95 Australian) for a physical copy in stores (MSRP). The digital version of Mario Kart World will retail for $79.99 (€69,99, JP¥8.980, £66.99 and $119.95 Australian) in the Nintendo eShop. Mario Kart is priced at a premium in comparison to Donkey Kong Bananza which will retail at $69.99 (€79,99, JP¥8.980 Yen and £66.99 British Pounds) for a physical copy and $69.99 (€69,99, JP¥7.980Yen, £56.96 and $109.95 Australian) for the digital edition. These prices are based on the MSRP that Nintendo is asking for. Certain retailers may lower the prices at their own accord.

Third-party software is priced differently across the board, with Street Fighter VI selling for $59.99 USD and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy - HD: Remaster at $39.99. Prices for these titles may vary at certain retailers.

What are Game-Key Card Games?

Aside from Nintendo Switch 2 games that release on a physical cartridge with all the data of the game printed on the card, there are also Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card titles. These are cartridges that have a lower storage capacity, that require a large download after the cartridge is inserted into the Nintendo Switch 2 system. These are clearly marked on the outside of the physical box with a Game-Key Card symbol and text.^[49] Whenever the game is booted, the system will check if the Game-Key Card is inserted into the system. For the first-time launch an internet check is required. After that, future launches will not require an internet connection to launch the Game-Key Card game.^[50]

Can I share Game-Key Card Games on Nintendo Switch 2?
With a Game-Key Card game the full game will need to be downloaded to the memory of the system via the internet. However, these games are not tied to the individual buyer or user of the Nintendo Switch 2 system.^[51] Meaning that a Game-Key Card can theoretically be sold, traded or loaned to other players, unlike ‘download only games’.

As explained on the Virtual Game Card page of Nintendo’s website, you can only share downloaded games as Virtual Game Cards if they are tied to your account. This would mean that Game-Key Card Games cannot be shared with other Nintendo Switch Online Family Members as Virtual Game Cards on Nintendo Switch 2.^[52]

How do I tell if a Nintendo Switch 2 game sold at a retail store is complete on cartridge, or is a Game-Key Card release requiring a download?

The contents of a physical game are explained via text and icons on the front of the package. Nintendo Switch 2 games have a striking red banner on top of the package to designate them as software that can only be used on Nintendo Switch 2. This red banner also contains the Nintendo Switch 2 logo with a clearly marked ‘2’ in the red banner.

The distinction between Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games is shown through text on the bottom of the package. Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games contain informational text that states “This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comprises the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade pack.”. There may also be a QR code for additional information on front of the package.^[53]

Physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are marked with a special symbol in the shape of a key, which can be found at the bottom of the package. This can be found right next to the ESRB-logo or the PEGI-logo. Next to the key symbol the words Game-Key Card is shown. To the right of this, you will find a text explaining that a full game download via the internet is required and how many GB of storage space is required at least, depending on the game.^[54]

Will Nintendo Switch Games Perform Better on Nintendo Switch 2? (Free Updates)
A selection of first-party Nintendo titles will be patched and updated to add functionality or performance enhancements to Nintendo Switch 2 titles. Specifically mentioned is the added implementation of GameShare to certain titles. The content of these updates differentiates on a per title basis. For a selection of games with multiplayer modes that require their own screen the new feature of GameShare will be supported. There is currently no release date set for these free updates.^[55]
The titles that are confirmed to get free updates are:^[56]

• Pokemon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
• Super Mario Odyssey. This title is confirmed to add support for GameShare.
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. This title is confirmed to add support for GameShare.
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Games. This title is confirmed to add support for GameShare.
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe.
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain. This title is confirmed to add support for GameShare.
• Game Builder Garage.
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. This title is confirmed to add support for GameShare.
• ARMS

If I play an original Nintendo Switch Game, that does not support a free update, in Handheld Mode On Nintendo Switch 2, Will the Performance of that be of a Nintendo Switch Game Running in Handheld Mode or TV Mode?

This remains unconfirmed at this time.