The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially released worldwide today, and we can confirm that Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards, such as Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, work on both Nintendo Switch consoles and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
What are Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards?
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards are physical releases that contain the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack. As such, these game cards work on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
How do these Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards work?
These Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards contain both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game. If the game card is inserted into a Nintendo Switch console then it will play the Nintendo Switch version of the game. If the game card is inserted into a Nintendo Switch 2 console then it will play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game.
Example of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Card being used on a Nintendo Switch Console
For this example I have used Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma and this is being freshly inserted into a Nintendo Switch OLED console. A day one update is also available, and this is being downloaded and installed onto the console, but that aside the game card works on the Nintendo Switch console.
List of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards:
Available at launch:
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Released in 2025:
Kirby Forgotten land + Starcrossed – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
What if I already own the game on Nintendo Switch?
If you already own a game on the Nintendo Switch (either digitally or physically), and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is available, then you will be able to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack from the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch 2 console. These upgrade packs are priced between £7 – £10 (per game) and will give access to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game when it is downloaded to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. If you do not own the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack then it will play the Nintendo Switch version of the game on your Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Difference between Nintendo Switch 2 Cards?
There are currently three types of Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards being used, but the difference between them will be clearly described on the box. But, for your reference, here is a breakdown of each type of Game Card:
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards:
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Cards will clearly say “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” on the artwork and will have a disclaimer at the bottom of the front cover. The full game, for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms, is on the cartridge. These Game Cards will work on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. New features and additional content will only be accessible on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards:
Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards will clearly say “Game-Key Card” on the front cover of the box with a disclaimer at the bottom. Game-Key Cards give players access to the game, but require it to be downloaded to the console storage (or MicroSD Express Memory Card) before being able to play. These Game-Key Cards only work on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards:
Nintendo Switch 2 Game cards will not have any disclaimers or information on the box, and are instead full games on a Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card. These Game Cards only work on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
Each Game Card also has different labels:
Additionally, each Nintendo Switch 2 Game card has a different code on the label and the first two letters refer to the type of game card it is.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Card = LN
Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card = LP
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card= LB
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