Today’s Nintendo Direct announcement of a brand new Virtual Game Cards function for sharing video games between techniques is being met with shock and curiosity from followers. But it is also elevating some questions, most notably one concerning the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a nice print footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The query comes from this page, which explains how Virtual Game Cards work. Most of what is right here is pretty simple (effectively, as simple as something is). But there’s a captivating footnote on the backside of the web page, tied to the function of shifting video games between Switch techniques. It reads:
**Compatible techniques have to be linked to a Nintendo Account to make use of digital recreation playing cards. Nintendo Switch 2 unique video games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition video games can solely be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. To transfer digital recreation playing cards between two techniques, you have to pair the techniques by way of native wi-fi and an web connection, however solely when pairing the techniques for the primary time. Up to 2 techniques complete could be linked per Nintendo Account.
What’s throwing individuals right here is the phrasing “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition video games.” The half about “unique video games” is simple sufficient, as we already knew there could be video games which might be solely playable on the Nintendo Switch 2, and never the present Switch. But we additionally know that the Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards suitable with Switch 1 (largely). So what’s a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition recreation?
Some fans are suggesting this is a subtle confirmation that there will be some “enhanced editions” of current Switch video games that add new options or improved efficiency, just for Switch 2. If that is the case, it will make sense that buying them on Switch 2 wouldn’t permit them to be shared with a Switch 1, as a result of they merely would not perform appropriately and would successfully be a special version of the model on Switch 1.
That’s not the one idea although. Some others are speculating that this does not affirm something, merely suggests an unlucky scenario the place customers will not be capable to use Nintendo’s shiny new Virtual Game Card function to ship some or all Nintendo Switch 2 video games backward to Switch 1, even when they’re the identical recreation. It’s additionally potential this does not counsel something particularly, however merely opens the door sooner or later for third-parties to launch Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of video games in the event that they really feel prefer it.
We reached out to Nintendo to attempt to get a clarification, however have been instructed by a spokesperson they might have a solution for us on April 2, conveniently the day of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Just cling in there just a little bit longer, everybody.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can discover her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a narrative tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
