Nintendo Switch 2: The Current State of Physical Releases

[DeadSkullzJr]

Surprisingly, Sonic Racing Crossworlds is a physical cart, but it's one of those "Switch 2 Upgrade Edition" which is still better than a damn key card.

I just looked up this game and only saw standard Switch listings, must have appeared after my efforts lol. Thanks for the heads up.

Post automatically merged: Jan 14, 2026

Yep, just feels pointless to buy that. If I wanted to go digital, I'd just buy it from the eShop for convenience so I wouldn't need to swap cartridges.

Cool Fatal Frame II Remake is coming, oh wait that's a key card, pass.


That makes sense as it's installed to the storage.

GTA V on my PS4 Pro loads up very fast as I use an SSD.

Already listed lol.

 

[Valwinz]

so any reason why they cant use Switch 1 cards for switch 2 games? is it a speed thing? or ?

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

so any reason why they cant use Switch 1 cards for switch 2 games? is it a speed thing? or ?

I can't say specifically, but I've heard that it's expensive getting the larger sized chips for these cartridges. Many Nintendo Switch games generally use smaller capacity chips compared to Nintendo Switch 2 games. So I'm guessing they already use the same chips for Nintendo Switch 2 games, but games that are rather large, the companies just kind of sell out and opt for game key cards or digital only versions.

Post automatically merged: Jan 14, 2026

Side note, I recently just read a supposed claim that some physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2, are backwards compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Now, the only way I could buy this, is if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges were backwards compatible, because technically ALL of these run the original Switch version of the game(s), just with the upgrade pack(s) on top of them. I've tried doing further research on this to see if this is true, and so far, the only thing I've seen people try is sticking a standard Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridge release into a Nintendo Switch (which obviously didn't lead anywhere fruitful). However, nobody seems to have posted videos and what not if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges work or not, given their nature in design. The only certain way to find out is if someone here has one and tests, or I eventually bite the bullet, and pick up a copy of one of the games listed. I have some severe doubts though that this would work, because this in nature would completely defeat the purpose of Nintendo having TWO versions of the same game released between the two platforms. Although, having one version that worked with both pieces of hardware and accounts for the hardware itself, like older Nintendo games used to do, would be way more practical as a purchasing decision.

 

[Scarlet]

I can't say specifically, but I've heard that it's expensive getting the larger sized chips for these cartridges. Many Nintendo Switch games generally use smaller capacity chips compared to Nintendo Switch 2 games. So I'm guessing they already use the same chips for Nintendo Switch 2 games, but games that are rather large, the companies just kind of sell out and opt for game key cards or digital only versions.

Post automatically merged: Jan 14, 2026

Side note, I recently just read a supposed claim that some physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2, are backwards compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Now, the only way I could buy this, is if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges were backwards compatible, because technically ALL of these run the original Switch version of the game(s), just with the upgrade pack(s) on top of them. I've tried doing further research on this to see if this is true, and so far, the only thing I've seen people try is sticking a standard Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridge release into a Nintendo Switch (which obviously didn't lead anywhere fruitful). However, nobody seems to have posted videos and what not if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges work or not, given their nature in design. The only certain way to find out is if someone here has one and tests, or I eventually bite the bullet, and pick up a copy of one of the games listed. I have some severe doubts though that this would work, because this in nature would completely defeat the purpose of Nintendo having TWO versions of the same game released between the two platforms. Although, having one version that worked with both pieces of hardware and accounts for the hardware itself, like older Nintendo games used to do, would be way more practical as a purchasing decision.

Switch 2 Edition cartridges work on the Switch 1. This is an established fact, and one that was confirmed all the way back in June. It’s basically a cartridge that contains the Switch 1 version if a game, as well as the Switch 2 Edition upgrade. When played on a Switch 1, the upgrade is simply ignored. On the Switch 2, it’s no different than having a Switch 1 cartridge in and buying the upgrade DLC.

As an aside, it’s also why Hades 2 has no physical Switch 1 release. Since the Switch 2 Edition upgrade is free, there’s really no reason to have two separate cartridges.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Lollipop Chainsaw is getting a NS2 UE release.

So there's like four types of releases for NS2 games...

Full Game Carts
Upgrade Edition Carts
Key Carts
Codes in Boxes
Bonus: Key Cart + DLC Code

Man, screw all that I'll just get the exclusives I want (as long as they're the full game on cartridge).

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Switch 2 Edition cartridges work on the Switch 1. This is an established fact, and one that was confirmed all the way back in June. It’s basically a cartridge that contains the Switch 1 version if a game, as well as the Switch 2 Edition upgrade. When played on a Switch 1, the upgrade is simply ignored. On the Switch 2, it’s no different than having a Switch 1 cartridge in and buying the upgrade DLC.

As an aside, it’s also why Hades 2 has no physical Switch 1 release. Since the Switch 2 Edition upgrade is free, there’s really no reason to have two separate cartridges.

Fully aware that the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions were just Nintendo Switch builds with upgrade packs on top (explicitly stated this in the combined post you responded to, and even mentioned this in the main thread post), I just wasn't aware it was backwards compatible. This begs the question though... Why on Earth did Nintendo create separate versions of these games, when the Switch 2 Editions already work on the original Nintendo Switch? That's such a suboptimal design philosophy. They basically just wasted resources making an extra version that didn't even need to exist.

Edit:
To some degree, I can kind of see why this works for SOME of the games. Like the Zelda games, that way early adopters didn't have to buy a second version of the game. But there have been other releases like Metroid Prime 4, where both a separate Switch and Switch 2 version exists. Which makes zero sense in this context.

 

[Scarlet]

Fully aware that the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions were just Nintendo Switch builds with upgrade packs on top (explicitly stated this in the combined post you responded to, and even mentioned this in the main thread post), I just wasn't aware it was backwards compatible. This begs the question though... Why on Earth did Nintendo create separate versions of these games, when the Switch 2 Editions already work on the original Nintendo Switch? That's such a suboptimal design philosophy. They basically just wasted resources making an extra version that didn't even need to exist.

Edit:
To some degree, I can kind of see why this works for SOME of the games. Like the Zelda games, that way early adopters didn't have to buy a second version of the game. But there have been other releases like Metroid Prime 4, where both a separate Switch and Switch 2 version exists. Which makes zero sense in this context.

Almost certainly for the optics. People with a Switch 1 won’t realise that a box that says Switch 2 on it will work. They probably figured it would be easier to maintain separate releases than try to educate people. Kinda makes sense with how many still think the Wii U is a Wii add on lol

 

[Marc_LFD]

Fully aware that the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions were just Nintendo Switch builds with upgrade packs on top (explicitly stated this in the combined post you responded to, and even mentioned this in the main thread post), I just wasn't aware it was backwards compatible. This begs the question though... Why on Earth did Nintendo create separate versions of these games, when the Switch 2 Editions already work on the original Nintendo Switch? That's such a suboptimal design philosophy. They basically just wasted resources making an extra version that didn't even need to exist.

Edit:
To some degree, I can kind of see why this works for SOME of the games. Like the Zelda games, that way early adopters didn't have to buy a second version of the game. But there have been other releases like Metroid Prime 4, where both a separate Switch and Switch 2 version exists. Which makes zero sense in this context.

MP4 was announced for the Switch, then delayed for the Switch 2... They had to make at least two physical releases so both customers would be happy.



That logo looks way better than the one on the final cover.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Almost certainly for the optics. People with a Switch 1 won’t realise that a box that says Switch 2 on it will work. They probably figured it would be easier to maintain separate releases than try to educate people. Kinda makes sense with how many still think the Wii U is a Wii add on lol

It still doesn't seem optimal, because they had similar design philosophies as far back as the Game Boy Color. Just the Nintendo DS era alone had quite a few games designed to take advantage of the Nintendo DSi hardware in some way, and it was marked on the packaging that there were extra hardware changes. Yet many of those games were still sold as Nintendo DS games, we didn't get two separate versions. How is it "optics" in this case? What makes this situation any more different?

 

[Scarlet]

It still doesn't seem optimal, because they had similar design philosophies as far back as the Game Boy Color. Just the Nintendo DS era alone had quite a few games designed to take advantage of the Nintendo DSi hardware in some way, and it was marked on the packaging that there were extra hardware changes. Yet many of those games were still sold as Nintendo DS games, we didn't get two separate versions. How is it "optics" in this case? What makes this situation any more different?

I would likely say the difference is that money wasn't charged for those upgrades in the past. If they're charging an extra fee for the Switch 2 release, it doesn't make sense to solely have that release and charge Switch 1 users more for content they might not want. There's obviously an entirely different debate as to whether they should be charging at all for the upgrades, but that's not really the question being asked lol.

Looking back at my original response, I realise this is probably the better answer. Apologies, just had a bit more time to think about it through the day.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

I would likely say the difference is that money wasn't charged for those upgrades in the past. If they're charging an extra fee for the Switch 2 release, it doesn't make sense to solely have that release and charge Switch 1 users more for content they might not want. There's obviously an entirely different debate as to whether they should be charging at all for the upgrades, but that's not really the question being asked lol.

Looking back at my original response, I realise this is probably the better answer. Apologies, just had a bit more time to think about it through the day.

I'll have to make an additional note then for the spoiler. I'm sure some people would want the best versions if possible, even if they can't currently take full advantage of the upgrades, a future proof approach essentially. I think the only reason why I never really caught on to the backwards compatibility, is because the marketing doesn't make it the most apparent, with the branding and through word choices given, everything really implied that these versions are designed to be hardware specific, hence the distinguishing being done. The only backwards compatibility that was made very apparent was compatibility for Nintendo Switch games, on the Nintendo Switch 2. I guess this could also be me just misunderstanding the promotions and what not from Nintendo. Basing it off what I know from older platforms though, the presentation(s) weren't the most clear this time around in my opinion.

 

[Marc_LFD]

What are the chances we'll see "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" eh? That wouldn't be a good look for Mario Kart World.

I've been playing MK8D Online on the Switch 2 and the rooms are always full of players which is great.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

What are the chances we'll see "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" eh? That wouldn't be a good look for Mario Kart World.

I've been playing MK8D Online on the Switch 2 and the rooms are always full of players which is great.

Chances are slim to none. Mario Kart 8 with an upgrade pack would act as a competitor against Mario Kart World in terms of player base count. Mario Kart World already has a bit of a controversial viewpoint by a lot of players, mainly due to the open world design philosophy and troubling aspects of how multiplayer works. That sort of upgrade would give more players less of a reason to own Mario Kart World, since Mario Kart 8 scratches the traditional style Mario Kart design philosophy itch already.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 Edition.



Of course there'll be amiibos to potentially unlock more stuff. Damn physical DLC.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Mario Bros. Wonder is getting a Switch 2 Edition.



Of course there'll be amiibos to potentially unlock more stuff. Damn physical DLC.

I'm not a huge fan of amiibos myself, especially because of scalpers. The good news is, we have NFC emulators all over the place to work with, and they work with stock or modded systems, alongside the binary data from the NFC chips (when these new ones come out of course). So despite the circumstances, it's not that huge of a loss in my opinion.

 

[Marc_LFD]

I'm not a huge fan of amiibos myself, especially because of scalpers. The good news is, we have NFC emulators all over the place to work with, and they work with stock or modded systems, alongside the binary data from the NFC chips (when these new ones come out of course). So despite the circumstances, it's not that huge of a loss in my opinion.

And there's the amiibo cards on AliExpress which are vastly cheaper than buying those stupid figurines for the locked DLC content they have.

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

And there's the amiibo cards on AliExpress which are vastly cheaper than buying those stupid figurines for the locked DLC content they have.

Hopefully they aren't as fickle as the Kirby Air Riders amiibos though. Apparently the formatting changed with those, something about being more dynamic than the ones we are used to (have to recheck the research). Essentially majority of current emulators and cards lack proper support for these Kirby ones.

Side note, I'll add the new game entry, I just won't append an image with it until I can grab a high resolution image.

 

[Marc_LFD]

The Switch 2 Edition covers are rather lousy and look more like an ad than a game cover.

It's as if Nintendo has forgotten how to make good game covers.

 

[vincentjoshuaet]

The Switch 2 Edition covers are rather lousy and look more like an ad than a game cover.

It's as if Nintendo has forgotten how to make good game covers.

SEA releases look slightly cleaner with no ESRB rating and less text at the bottom. Still USA cartridges

 

[Scarlet]

A fresh one for you:



Japanese release but has English language on it. Mine just came today and all seems good!