Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of a new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked surprise and interest among fans. However, it has also raised questions, particularly about the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The page detailing how Virtual Game Cards work is mostly straightforward, 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 clear, as we knew there would be titles playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2, the term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has led to speculation. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be mostly backwards compatible with the original Switch, what could a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game" be?
Some fans theorize that this could be a subtle hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, optimized for the Switch 2 with new features or better performance. These editions would be exclusive to the Switch 2 and wouldn't be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they couldn't be shared via Virtual Game Cards.
However, others believe this doesn't necessarily confirm anything new. It might simply mean that some or all Nintendo Switch 2 games can't be sent back to the original Switch, even if they're the same game. Alternatively, it could be setting the stage for third-party developers to release "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of their games in the future.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson informed us that we would receive an answer on April 2, the day of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait a bit longer for official confirmation.
