Here’s How Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Packs Technically Work

Updates to Nintendo’s official website for game listings have given us a better look at how Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Packs actually work.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games are Nintendo Switch games that offer improved performance, high-quality graphics, and possibly even new gameplay content and support for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive features such as the microphone, camera, and GameShare.

Customers who already own a Nintendo Switch game that has a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition can upgrade by simply purchasing its Upgrade Pack.

Game listings for Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs such as the one for Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV reveal that these upgrade packs are technically speaking, DLC (downloadable content). This is confirmed through the URL for the product listing, which contains the “aocs” identifier, the same identifier used for DLC on Nintendo Switch.

What this means is that the assets for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as well as any other additional content or improvements, are stored and treated as DLC that can only be accessed by running on Nintendo Switch 2.

This also lends credence to Marvelous’ previous claim that when a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Game Card is inserted into Nintendo Switch, it will only run the Switch base game. The only way this could work is by having the Switch base game and Switch 2 upgrade pack together on the Game Card. The game will only run in Switch 2 Edition mode when it’s inserted into a Nintendo Switch 2.

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