Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of the new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked both surprise and intrigue among fans. However, it has also raised significant questions, particularly regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage.
The webpage detailing how Virtual Game Cards function contains mostly clear information, 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" has led to confusion. While "exclusive games" for the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected and understandable, the notion of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" has fans theorizing. Given the known backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 with the original Switch, what could these "Edition games" mean?
Some fans speculate that this could be a hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, which would include new features or enhanced performance specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. If true, these editions would not be compatible with the original Switch, explaining why they cannot be shared back to Switch 1 systems.
However, there are other interpretations. Some believe this might simply mean that certain Nintendo Switch 2 games cannot be transferred back to the original Switch, even if they are the same game. Another theory suggests that this might not imply anything definitive but leaves room for third-party developers to release their own "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" in the future.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson stated they would provide an answer on April 2, the day of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans will need to wait just a bit longer for official details.
