Nintendo Virtual Game Card Blog Mentions “Switch 2 Editions” Sparking Speculation

Earlier this week, Nintendo announced a new feature for digital games called Virtual Game Cards, which will allow players to treat their digital games similarly to physical games.

On the official page about the feature, fans noticed a disclaimer mentioning “Switch 2 Edition” titles, which can only be played on Switch 2 systems along with “Switch 2 exclusive” games.

**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.

Fans have taken this to mean that Nintendo intends to release Switch 2 specific versions of select Switch 1 games, possibly with built-in enhancements that can only be handled on the successor console. Some examples could be Switch 2 Editions of Metroid Prime 4 or Pokemon Legends Z-A with better graphics or performance. This speculation has sparked concern from players, who wonder if they may be forced to pay extra to upgrade their games to “Switch 2 Editions” when they become available.

At the time of this writing, Nintendo has yet to provide official clarification on this terminology. Stay tuned for more updates as they come.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.