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 led to questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The webpage, which details how Virtual Game Cards function, is mostly clear. Yet, a footnote at the bottom has caught the attention of many. 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 mention of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is what's causing the buzz. While "exclusive games" are expected and understood to be playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is known to be mostly backwards compatible with the original Switch, what exactly does a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game" entail?
Some fans theorize that this could be a hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, featuring new enhancements or improved performance exclusively for the Switch 2. This would explain why these games couldn't be shared with the original Switch, as they would be different versions optimized for the new system.
However, other theories suggest that this phrasing might not confirm anything new, but rather indicate a limitation where certain Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they are the same game. Another possibility is that this simply leaves room for third-party developers to create "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games in the future.
In an attempt to clarify these points, we reached out to Nintendo. A spokesperson responded 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 more information.
