Nintendo Switch 2: The Current State of Physical Releases

[DeadSkullzJr]

Not complaining, thank you for putting this together. I've been looking for info about Kirby Ryders physical release. Would you consider adding the min FW they work with, if is available or maybe commenters can add it in the comments? for example, Bonanza works fine on 20.1.1.

That's... not easy to do. I have zero way of finding this information out, I lack the resources, let alone the system needed to test with.

Post automatically merged: Dec 16, 2025

Great idea.
just a correctiong, Octopath Traveler needs to add a 0 to the name.
It's "Octopath Traveler 0"

Oops lol. Thanks for the heads up.

Post automatically merged: Dec 16, 2025

Going by the box art, it's looking like Outbound will be getting a full physical release:

View attachment 545721

Added to the list, thanks! I'll append the image to the title later today.

 

[ertaboy356b]

Looks like it's gonna be majority game key card throughout this gen. Though I don't really mind since cards from the later DS (BW2?) and 3DS gens have moved from MaskRom to XtraRom compromising the longevity of these cards.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Physical releases on PC died a long time ago, it's kind of a wonder they have survived on console for this long, but I'm afraid the dream is finally dead. Next gen PS and Xbox (if there even is a next gen Xbox) probably won't have a disc drive, I expect Nintendo to hold on a little longer, but 3rd parties clearly can't wait for physical releases to be officially declared dead so even if the Switch 3 (or whatever) technically has physical releases it will be vestigial at best.

To clarify, Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are NOT equivalent to native Nintendo Switch 2 software, as these releases explicity state the use of original Nintendo Switch software with upgrade packs right on the front of the packing.

They are ports, they run natively. Essentially reusing most of the assets from the Switch version but with code compiled for the Switch 2. Which is exactly what a port is. For all intents and purposes, they are native Switch 2 software, they just might not take full advantage of the Switch 2's capabilities because they weren't written specifically for it. They have to make it clear on the box so that people don't think that the Switch 2 release of a game is somehow different to the Switch release with the upgrade pack.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Looks like it's gonna be majority game key card throughout this gen. Though I don't really mind since cards from the later DS (BW2?) and 3DS gens have moved from MaskRom to XtraRom compromising the longevity of these cards.

First, I'm just going to put this information here, because quite frankly, I don't think majority of people understand the information on what XtraROM is so much. Between this and all the odd conflict of information in general. Also Nintendo DS games last I checked didn't use XtraROM, so no idea where that part came from. More information from the source itself. Although they don't give time frames, they do provide information on the three types of XtraROM, more than I've seen anyone else talk about.
https://www.macronix.com/CachePages/en-us-Product-ROM-default.aspx

Second, you do know game key cards basically are a waste of resources right? Given it's just a key on a cartridge (so wasting material to make a case, art, and a cartridge for a key). At any rate, people are better off just buying the games digitally from the eShop directly over the key cards. No resources wasted, and you get what you want still.

 

[ertaboy356b]

Second, you do know game key cards basically are a waste of resources right? Given it's just a key on a cartridge (so wasting material to make a case, art, and a cartridge for a key). At any rate, people are better off just buying the games digitally from the eShop directly over the key cards. No resources wasted, and you get what you want still.

You'd think I'd just buy digital which is the best case scenario, but from where I live there's a big community for game swaps and GKC satisfies that requirement. If I like the game so much, then I'll just keep it. I only buy digital if there's no other option (Diablo 2, Monster Hunter Rise/Break, Divinity 2, etc.).

 

[Scarlet]

First, I'm just going to put this information here, because quite frankly, I don't think majority of people understand the information on what XtraROM is so much. Between this and all the odd conflict of information in general. Also Nintendo DS games last I checked didn't use XtraROM, so no idea where that part came from. More information from the source itself. Although they don't give time frames, they do provide information on the three types of XtraROM, more than I've seen anyone else talk about.
https://www.macronix.com/CachePages/en-us-Product-ROM-default.aspx

Second, you do know game key cards basically are a waste of resources right? Given it's just a key on a cartridge (so wasting material to make a case, art, and a cartridge for a key). At any rate, people are better off just buying the games digitally from the eShop directly over the key cards. No resources wasted, and you get what you want still.

GKC do have one benefit over purely digital releases in just being another way to buy a game. Not being limited to the eShop means they can have separate deals. That’s pretty much the only reason I have most of my GKCs. Obviously a real physical release would’ve been better, but of the options I have I will generally just gravitate towards the cheapest.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

They are ports, they run natively. Essentially reusing most of the assets from the Switch version but with code compiled for the Switch 2. Which is exactly what a port is. For all intents and purposes, they are native Switch 2 software, they just might not take full advantage of the Switch 2's capabilities because they weren't written specifically for it. They have to make it clear on the box so that people don't think that the Switch 2 release of a game is somehow different to the Switch release with the upgrade pack.

That's a bit of a stretch of a claim though, at least in my opinion. Just because it leverages off the hardware capabilities more than the standard version of the software, doesn't necessarily mean it's a full fledged port. Quite a few Nintendo DS games leveraged off the Nintendo DSi hardware capabilities through real native code whenever you played on said hardware (Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem, Pokemon Black and White, etc.), likewise for some Nintendo 3DS games when played on a New Nintendo 3DS (Super Smash Bros. 3DS, Metroid Samus Returns, etc.). They were hardware enhanced software builds, all in one package. Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are very close to that design philosophy, except that here, instead of getting those enhancements in one build of the game, you are charged $10 extra to obtain the extra enhancements digitally, or you can buy a second copy of the same game again, just bundled with the enhancements. Basically, you are buying what would essentially be, the rest of the software code for $10 more lol. I guess if I had to put it another way, you are paying for a copy of Pokemon Black, but in order to have the DSi enhanced features, you have to pay $10 more via an upgrade pack or buying a second copy of the game with the upgrade pack bundled.

As for the whole "software being native" arguement, I guess it depends on how you look at it. If you look at it based on the principles of the upgrade packs giving you capabilities you wouldn't get on an original Switch, then sure, it's native. But native in this particular case to me means software that's built specifically and fully for the hardware. The problem is, Nintendo Switch software on a Nintendo Switch 2 is handled by a compatibility layer, meaning the software code has to be translated for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware to understand, the code itself is limited based on the standards of the original Nintendo Switch hardware, and by extension, the compatibility layer in this case. These upgrade packs aren't full fledged Nintendo Switch 2 builds of the game(s), in fact they don't even make up half the size of the original software being upgraded. Considering a good portion of those upgrade packs also contain assets for higher resolution textures and what not, that means the amount of room left for native hardware code is even less than the overall advertised size. Unless these companies are wizards, I highly doubt the code present in the upgrade packs are even remotely close to being full fledged, native hardware builds. Take Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as an example, you really think the developers crammed a full native port in a ~1.5 GB upgrade pack, especially given a portion of that contains higher resolution assets too lol (the original game itself being ~28.9 GB)? If they were "ports" then that fine print on the bottom wouldn't need to exist, they would be full fledged hardware ports, essentially they would functionally be in the same rank as the standard Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases I have listed so far. The distinction is very clear though, and the implications are that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are still Nintendo Switch builds of the game(s), just with additional enhancement code and assets sitting on top to take more advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

 

[Renos44]

That's a bit of a stretch of a claim though, at least in my opinion. Just because it leverages off the hardware capabilities more than the standard version of the software, doesn't necessarily mean it's a full fledged port. Quite a few Nintendo DS games leveraged off the Nintendo DSi hardware capabilities through real native code whenever you played on said hardware (Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem, Pokemon Black and White, etc.), likewise for some Nintendo 3DS games when played on a New Nintendo 3DS (Super Smash Bros. 3DS, Metroid Samus Returns, etc.). They were hardware enhanced software builds, all in one package. Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are very close to that design philosophy, except that here, instead of getting those enhancements in one build of the game, you are charged $10 extra to obtain the extra enhancements digitally, or you can buy a second copy of the same game again, just bundled with the enhancements. Basically, you are buying what would essentially be, the rest of the software code for $10 more lol. I guess if I had to put it another way, you are paying for a copy of Pokemon Black, but in order to have the DSi enhanced features, you have to pay $10 more via an upgrade pack or buying a second copy of the game with the upgrade pack bundled.

As for the whole "software being native" arguement, I guess it depends on how you look at it. If you look at it based on the principles of the upgrade packs giving you capabilities you wouldn't get on an original Switch, then sure, it's native. But native in this particular case to me means software that's built specifically and fully for the hardware. The problem is, Nintendo Switch software on a Nintendo Switch 2 is handled by a compatibility layer, meaning the software code has to be translated for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware to understand, the code itself is limited based on the standards of the original Nintendo Switch hardware, and by extension, the compatibility layer in this case. These upgrade packs aren't full fledged Nintendo Switch 2 builds of the game(s), in fact they don't even make up half the size of the original software being upgraded. Considering a good portion of those upgrade packs also contain assets for higher resolution textures and what not, that means the amount of room left for native hardware code is even less than the overall advertised size. Unless these companies are wizards, I highly doubt the code present in the upgrade packs are even remotely close to being full fledged, native hardware builds. Take Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as an example, you really think the developers crammed a full native port in a ~1.5 GB upgrade pack, especially given a portion of that contains higher resolution assets too lol (the original game itself being ~28.9 GB)? If they were "ports" then that fine print on the bottom wouldn't need to exist, they would be full fledged hardware ports, essentially they would functionally be in the same rank as the standard Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases I have listed so far. The distinction is very clear though, and the implications are that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are still Nintendo Switch builds of the game(s), just with additional enhancement code and assets sitting on top to take more advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.

Honestly what i think is happening behind the scenes for games that get updates that enhance it but not full on switch 2 editions is similar to what some ps4 games do on ps5.

There not recompiled native switch 2 code at startup they a run a check for if switch 1 or 2
if switch 2 they swap the game's config for res changing or framerate,

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Honestly what i think is happening behind the scenes for games that get updates that enhance it but not full on switch 2 editions is similar to what some ps4 games do on ps5.

There not recompiled native switch 2 code at startup they a run a check for if switch 1 or 2
if switch 2 they swap the game's config for res changing or framerate,

Not quite. If mode detection was a genuine thing, then the entire idea of releasing two separate versions becomes extremely pointless. All any of the developers would have to do by that logic, is do what was done with older platforms like the Nintendo DS(i) and (New) Nintendo 3DS platforms. Make ONE build that's configured to work differently depending on the hardware you run with. I don't think this is possible in this case, because of the nature of how Nintendo Switch games are handled. Based on your logic, this also implies that a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game can be played on a Nintendo Switch, because of mode detection. They do not work this way, because there is no mode detection techniques. The design philosophy literally leans on the idea that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions are NOT the same as true and full native Nintendo Switch 2 software. If they were, you wouldn't need text implying any sort of distinction. Especially considering there are some (albeit very few) software releases for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, both of which being genuine native compiled builds for the respective hardware. Which means there definitely is a difference between native builds, and these enhanced builds.

 

[Renos44]

Not quite. If mode detection was a genuine thing, then the entire idea of releasing two separate versions becomes extremely pointless. All any of the developers would have to do by that logic, is do what was done with older platforms like the Nintendo DS(i) and (New) Nintendo 3DS platforms. Make ONE build that's configured to work differently depending on the hardware you run with. I don't think this is possible in this case, because of the nature of how Nintendo Switch games are handled. Based on your logic, this also implies that a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game can be played on a Nintendo Switch, because of mode detection. They do not work this way, because there is no mode detection techniques.

If i remember correctly some of the patches for ps4 games to run better on ps5. was as simple as doing a accuracy/cycle check since there's no system call as far as the game knows to tell its not a ps5.

They'd something like if this functions returns in X time this must be a ps5 or ps4 and adjust accordingly. You don't get the full capabilities on the ps5. But its performance for running ps4 games can allow for some small visual increases.

 

[kdj0692]

Monster Hunter Stories 3 will also be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. I feel so bad.

 

[ertaboy356b]

Honestly what i think is happening behind the scenes for games that get updates that enhance it but not full on switch 2 editions is similar to what some ps4 games do on ps5.

There not recompiled native switch 2 code at startup they a run a check for if switch 1 or 2
if switch 2 they swap the game's config for res changing or framerate,

The Switch 2 probably just verifies if Sw2.exe exists, if not, run Sw.exe.. something like that.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

If i remember correctly some of the patches for ps4 games to run better on ps5. was as simple as doing a accuracy/cycle check since there's no system call as far as the game knows to tell its not a ps5.

They'd something like if this functions returns in X time this must be a ps5 or ps4 and adjust accordingly. You don't get the full capabilities on the ps5. But its performance for running ps4 games can allow for some small visual increases.

I've pretty much iterated multiple times at this point that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions still use the compatibility layer, just with boosted performance and upgraded graphics when using the upgrade packs (not sure how else to say this). I can't speak from the side of the PlayStation 4 or the PlayStation 5, because I own neither of those systems, but I do own a Nintendo Switch. I do own plenty of Nintendo's older systems as well where this enhancement design philosophy persisted quite commonly, albeit in a more practical fashion with said older platforms. Regardless, the point is, they aren't full native builds as some users are led to believe, that reason alone is why I split those away from the standard physical release list, because they aren't in the same vein.

 

[subcon959]

Exactly, the only native Switch 2 physical games are those without any disclaimers on the front of the box. If you're buying a Switch 2 "Edition" then you're still getting a Switch 1 game but it has added enhancements.

 

[BlusterBong]

Given that a lot of publishers and/or developers (even with some of Nintendo's partners like TecmoKoei to an extent) have jumped to Game Key Cards, i'd say it's probably the best thing for them since they can basically double dip on both Physical and Digital for pretty little.

For Nintendo, it being able to attract third-party publishers/developers is probably a big boon with what people thinking about it being a means to an end since it basically means that they'll almost definitely be able to keep them around without driving them away in the several ways they have the previous generations before the Switch 1.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Given that a lot of publishers and/or developers (even with some of Nintendo's partners like TecmoKoei to an extent) have jumped to Game Key Cards, i'd say it's probably the best thing for them since they can basically double dip on both Physical and Digital for pretty little.

For Nintendo, it being able to attract third-party publishers/developers is probably a big boon with what people thinking about it being a means to an end since it basically means that they'll almost definitely be able to keep them around without driving them away in the several ways they have the previous generations before the Switch 1.

If people avoid GKCs then it isn't the best thing they've done.

I don't support piracy, but GKCs are just empty carts with a license to download the game while when pirating, you get the full game and more. Pirates are getting a better deal and for free.

 

[BlusterBong]

If people avoid GKCs then it isn't the best thing they've done.

I don't support piracy, but GKCs are just empty carts with a license to download the game while when pirating, you get the full game and more. Pirates are getting a better deal and for free.

How many people who aren't perpetually online and/or were already diehard physical media collectors are actually avoiding them?

Because if the overwhelming number of Americans being subscribed to streaming services and buying digital across PC and Console (assuming the "fully physical" copy across the big 3, mainly Xbox and Playstation isn't just a stub that requires you to download the game or any updates anyways) is anything to go by, people stopped caring about Physical vs Digital a long time ago and just want to buy/watch/play/consume the content being sold to them and the people who are still "fighting" are in the minority or are youtubers with over a few thousand subscribers that likely already agreed with them to begin with.

Sure, third party sales have been "lower than expectations", but that's to be expected for a platform that just came out 6 months ago and has 10+ Million sold to consumers because it doesn't have time to settle in like the preexisting consoles have had for years, in an era where game development has become the longest it ever has.

I can absolutely guarentee you that most people buying physical game copies in this day and age who are more "normal" compared to fourm lurkers like us wouldn't give less of a shit even if you sat them down and explained the GKC vs full physical carts in far higher detail than Nintendo has previously.

 

[Marc_LFD]

How many people who aren't perpetually online and/or were already diehard physical media collectors are actually avoiding them?

Because if the overwhelming number of Americans being subscribed to streaming services and buying digital across PC and Console (assuming the "fully physical" copy across the big 3, mainly Xbox and Playstation isn't just a stub that requires you to download the game or any updates anyways) is anything to go by, people stopped caring about Physical vs Digital a long time ago and just want to buy/watch/play/consume the content being sold to them and the people who are still "fighting" are in the minority or are youtubers with over a few thousand subscribers that likely already agreed with them to begin with.

Sure, third party sales have been "lower than expectations", but that's to be expected for a platform that just came out 6 months ago and has 10+ Million sold to consumers because it doesn't have time to settle in like the preexisting consoles have had for years, in an era where game development has become the longest it ever has.

I can absolutely guarentee you that most people buying physical game copies in this day and age who are more "normal" compared to fourm lurkers like us wouldn't give less of a shit even if you sat them down and explained the GKC vs full physical carts in far higher detail than Nintendo has previously.

The thing with Nintendo/Switch games is that the full game is on the cartridge, and GKCs are killing that.

I have no interest in buying GKCs at all so my NS2 collection will be very small.

 

[subcon959]

I've been hearing rumours that Nintendo is now offering 16GB and 32GB cart sizes along with the original 64GB.

 

[AngryCinnabon]

So uh, i decided to buy a switch 2 for me and my folks over the holiday, so i have a question. Should i even bother with physical releases if they're mostly gonna be key cards? I bought a 1tb SD Express card on sale today and was thinking maybe I'd just be better off going digital, anyone have any particular thoughts on that? it's not desirable, but what is the lesser evil i guess...?