Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Unveiled in Fine Print, Fans Speculate

Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of the new Virtual Game Cards feature, which allows sharing games between systems, has sparked both surprise and interest among fans. However, it has also raised several questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a revealing footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.

The page detailing how Virtual Game Cards function is mostly clear, but a footnote at the bottom catches the eye, especially in relation to moving games between Switch systems. It states:

**Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards. Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To move virtual game cards between two systems, you must pair the systems via local wireless and an internet connection, but only when pairing the systems for the first time. Up to two systems total can be linked per Nintendo Account.

The phrase "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has particularly piqued interest. While "exclusive games" for the Switch 2 are expected and understood to be playable only on that console, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has left fans theorizing. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is largely backward compatible with the original Switch, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" suggests there might be enhanced versions of existing Switch games, optimized for the new console with additional features or improved performance. These editions would logically not be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they cannot be shared back to Switch 1.

However, there are other theories circulating among fans. Some believe this footnote might simply indicate that certain Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they are the same game, due to technical limitations or design choices. Others speculate that this could be a placeholder for potential future releases by third-party developers, who might decide to create "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of their games.

In an effort to clarify these speculations, we reached out to Nintendo. A spokesperson informed us that they would provide an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait just a bit longer for official clarification on what "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" entail.