Buying physical copies of Nintendo Switch 2’s “upgraded” games? You should probably read this
By Physical versions of original Switch games enhanced for Nintendo Switch 2, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Prime 4, are expected to come with standard Switch 1 cartridges.
This is according to a Nintendo support representative in the UK, who reportedly confirmed in writing that the Switch 2 “enhanced” editions will need to be downloaded separately using “download codes,” which will then be applied to the original version on the cartridge.
While the exact question posed to customer support is not provided, Does It Play on X/Twitter tweeted an excerpt of an email response allegedly taken from a customer service exchange, which reportedly stated: “Yes, we can confirm that the upgrades will come via download codes. Thank you for your understanding.”
According to a Nintendo UK Support Rep, Switch 2 Editions of physical games like Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Metroid Prime 4 will receive a download code for the upgrade pack along with a Switch 1 version cartridge of the game https://t.co/SK5uo4Thyf pic.twitter.com/vRhUnxTvIX
— Wario64 (@Wario64) April 5, 2025
As Wario64 aptly points out, this wouldn’t be the first instance where customer service could have unintentionally shared incorrect information – so we have reached out to Nintendo for clarification – and there is not yet any artwork indicating a separate download is necessary.
“And it’s odd they would be providing codes when Nintendo is shifting to game key cartridges rather than download codes for retail titles,” Wario64 remarked. “I realize game key cartridges are different, but I’m emphasizing it because it suggests Nintendo is offering that option instead of download codes for Switch 2 games, making the offer of a code for the upgrade pack illogical (they could simply place the upgrade pack as a license on the cartridge).”
As one commenter notes, it all feels “unnecessarily complex,” though others suggest it is “part of the strategy.”
“Pretty straightforward. If you resell the Switch 2 key cartridge, then the new owner will have to buy the upgrade pack. More revenue for Nintendo. Sounds like part of the plan,” remarked one commenter.
We will strive to clarify matters as soon as Nintendo gets back to us.
In case you missed it, American Nintendo fans may need to wait a bit longer before they can pre-order a Switch 2 after Nintendo of America confirmed that US preorders – which were slated to go live on April 9th – will now face delays “in order