As we found out a few weeks ago in the official Direct, the Nintendo Switch 2 will have special Switch 2 Editions of original Nintendo Switch games, which come with the base Switch game along with the Upgrade Pack content, all together on one cartridge and without the need for a download. Surprisingly, the FAQ page from Marvelous Games for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma seems to suggest that this Switch 2 Edition cartridge will be compatible in both a Switch and the Switch 2. All information in this article is based on this third-party developer FAQ page, so take it all with a grain of salt.
Their full explanation for the Switch 2 Edition physical copy explains “there’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.” This clearly implies that Switch 2 Edition game cartridges come with both the base Switch game and its upgraded Switch 2 Edition on a cartridge compatible with both systems, which is a nice surprise but a confusing one given past information we’ve heard about Switch 2 cartridges.
Previously, it was reported that Nintendo Switch 2’s red game cartridges will have a notch in them, making them incompatible with original Switch systems, whilst the Switch 2 will support cartridges from both consoles. However, the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma cartridge will work in both, when it’s clearly described as being one of the Switch 2’s “red 64 GB game card”. Perhaps then this implies that Switch 2 Editions will come on special game cards that allow for the functionality to work with both consoles, whereas standard Switch 2 exclusives won’t.
Details remain sparse right now, but what we do know is there’s at least one Switch 2 Edition game that can be inserted into original Nintendo Switch systems, and that’s a surprise. Be sure to check back for more updates as this story develops, and let us know your thoughts on how you think the Switch 2 Edition cartridge compatibility will work.
