TheNintendo Switch 2Edition game cards for titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomandMetroid Prime 4: Beyondwill apparently also work on the original Switch, albeit without the Switch 2 upgrades, according to one third-party publisher. When the Nintendo Switch 2 was announced, it was also revealed that some Switch 1 games would get upgrades to acontroversially priced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which would bring new content and enhancements to existing titles, like frame rate increases and higher graphic fidelity.
According toMarvelous Games' FAQ page for its upcoming Switch 2 launch titleRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma,the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridges will be cross-compatible with the original Switch (viaVGC).“There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically,“according to the FAQ page.
Nintendo previously stated that theSwitch 2 Edition games would contain the full gameon the cartridge and not require a download. But, it was unclear if the Switch 2 cartridges would work with the Switch 1.
Switch 2 Edition Cards Can Play Switch 1 Versions Of Games
More Opportunities For Sharing Games
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of titles receiving upgrades will not require downloads, and since it appears the cartridges are cross-compatible,the console will apparently just run the correct version of the game when it is inserted. This should allow users to still exchange or borrow games from friends or family, and be able to play the correct version without needing to have one over the other.
Of course, the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions that run on the Switch 2 will have exclusive features and upgrades for the Switch 2 version, and the Switch 1 won’t have access to those upgrades. For example, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildhas an exclusive weapon repair featurein the upcoming Zelda Notes app, which won’t be accessible on the Switch 1 version of the game, presumably.
This is a benefit for someone who owns a Switch 1 and may want to try a game a friend has, but that friend has the Switch 2 version. With this strategy,players will still be able to play the Switch 1 version using their friend’s Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game. It’s worth noting — this appears to only be the case for games that have a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade; Switch 2-exclusive titles will only work on the Switch 2.
Similar To Xbox Smart Delivery, But Upgrading Comes With A Cost
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games and Upgrades Aren’t Cheap
This Switch 2 feature is similar to theXbox Smart Delivery system, where players can play the best version of the game they have purchased, without having to have access to a specific Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S. But, the Xbox Smart Delivery system also gives users a free upgrade to the Xbox Series X/S versions of previously purchased titles when they purchase a Series X/S console, and that is not the case with the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of games are even more expensive than their Switch 1 versions, if you don’t already own the game. Upgrades to the Switch 2 version will cost $10 in most regions. Some games, like the twoZeldagames, will also get free upgrades to the Switch 2 versions if the player is aNintendo Switch Online + Expansion Packmember. While this news is probably not going to change the minds of consumers about whether they should get aNintendo Switch 2or not, it is a nice feature to have.
