Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of a new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked both surprise and curiosity among fans. However, it has also raised questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The webpage detailing how Virtual Game Cards work is mostly clear, but a footnote at the bottom has caught everyone's attention. 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" is what's causing the buzz. While "exclusive games" is straightforward, as we knew some titles would only be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has fans speculating. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be backward compatible with the original Switch (with some exceptions), what exactly does a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game" entail?
Some enthusiasts believe this hints at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, which could include new features or improved performance exclusive to the Switch 2. These editions would be incompatible with the original Switch, explaining why they couldn't be shared via Virtual Game Cards.
However, others argue that this might not confirm anything new, but rather indicates that some or all Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they're the same title. Alternatively, it could simply be a provision for future third-party releases of "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" if they choose to do so.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson informed us that we would receive an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, hang tight a bit longer, everyone.