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 significant questions, particularly about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, due to a notable footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The webpage detailing the functionality of Virtual Game Cards includes a footnote that has caught the attention of many:
**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 particularly intriguing. While "exclusive games" are expected, as it's known that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature titles that are not playable on the current Switch, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has sparked speculation. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be backwards compatible with the original Switch (with some limitations), what exactly does a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" entail?
Some fans theorize that this could be a hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, which would offer improved performance or additional features exclusively on the Switch 2. These versions would not be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they cannot be shared via Virtual Game Cards. This would mean that purchasing a Switch 2 Edition of a game would lock it to the new console, as it would be a different version from what's available on the Switch 1.
However, other theories suggest that this footnote might not confirm anything definitive. It could simply indicate that some or all Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they are the same game. Alternatively, it might be a provision allowing third-party developers to release "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of their games in the future, should they choose to do so.
In an attempt to clarify these points, we reached out to Nintendo. A spokesperson informed us that they would provide an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Fans will need to wait just a bit longer for official clarification on this intriguing development.
