"Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Unveiled in Fine Print, Fans Speculate"

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 Nintendo Switch 2, due to a detailed footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.

The webpage detailing the Virtual Game Cards feature 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 term "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is what's causing the stir. While the mention of "exclusive games" aligns with our understanding that some titles will be playable only on the Nintendo Switch 2, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be mostly backward compatible with the original Switch, what exactly does a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game" entail?

Some fans theorize that this could be Nintendo's way of confirming "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games. These editions might offer new features or improved performance exclusively for the Switch 2. Such games would not be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they cannot be shared back to Switch 1 via Virtual Game Cards.

However, others believe this might not confirm anything new, but rather indicate that some or all Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be sent back to the original Switch, even if they are the same title. Another possibility is that this simply paves the way for third-party developers to release their own "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games in the future.

We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson indicated that we would receive an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait just a little longer for more information.