Today's Nintendo Direct announcement introduced the new Virtual Game Cards feature, allowing game sharing between systems, sparking both excitement and curiosity among fans. A key point of discussion revolves around a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage, which hints at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The webpage detailing the Virtual Game Cards feature includes a footnote that reads:
**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 caught the attention of many. While it's clear that "exclusive games" refer to titles designed solely for the Nintendo Switch 2, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less straightforward. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be backward compatible with the original Switch, this term raises questions about what these editions might entail.
Some fans theorize that "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" could indicate enhanced versions of existing Switch games, featuring improved performance or additional content exclusive to the Switch 2. This would mean that these editions, if purchased on the Switch 2, wouldn't be compatible with the original Switch due to their specialized nature.
However, other speculations suggest that this phrase might simply indicate that certain Switch 2 games cannot be shared back to the original Switch using the Virtual Game Card feature, even if they are the same game. It's also possible that this term leaves room for third-party developers to create their own "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" in the future.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification on this matter. A spokesperson indicated that more information would be provided during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2. Fans will need to wait a bit longer to get a clearer picture of what "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" truly mean.
