summary
- Some new red switch 2 cartridges may become playable on the original switch.
- Game Cart retains both the original Switch Edition and the enhanced features of Switch 2.
- This may apply to both third-party and several first-party Nintendo titles.
When Nintendo moves to the Switch 2 ERA, many fans wonder what it means for those who stick to the original. If the Switch 2 costs nearly $500 for a console and a single game, it could take some time for the entire fanbase to move around.
Luckily, Nintendo is already giving hope to fans who may not pick up the Switch 2 first. 2. Future games like Living the Dream and Metroid Prime 4 will certainly give the original Switch fan valuable content before being forced to replace it.
But with the new shiny red cartridges, many wonder why it would stop these new carts from being put into the original system. After all, consoles like the 3DS deliberately added its small nub-like hardware functionality to stop the cartridges from being placed on the original DS system.
According to the upcoming game Rune Factory: Guardians of Azure FAQ, some Switch 2 cartridges may be able to play on the original system. Specifically, the cart, which holds the edition of the original Switch version, and the upgraded Switch 2 ports, can be played on both systems.
The FAQ describes the new cartridge as a “red 64GB game card with Nintendo Switch games and upgrade packs.” This means your cart can contain software for the original Switch Games and Switch 2 dedicated add-on pack.
With carefully selected box art available on the digital storefront, you can clearly say that the cartridges include “Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs.”
The fascinating aspect is that games like Kirby and Forgotten Lands + Star-crossed Worlds appear to have the exact same disclaimer in the boxwhich means this feature may also apply to the official “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.”
Nintendo is very clear about which Switch 1 games are playable on Switch 2, but it appears they have not received an official answer on this topic.
More than just backward compatibility
Additionally, the FAQ states, “Simply insert the card into either the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch 2 console and the correct version will automatically start.” So you will need to manually install the upgrade simply by downloading the original switch version.
Systems like the Xbox One had special games that worked on both the Xbox One and the Xbox 360, but in simple terms, they were Xbox 360 games that were backwards compatible with the Xbox One. However, this system with Switch 2 seems to be very different.
A game connected to a Switch 2 or Original Switch can tell which console it is plugged in and change the version based on it. This is an almost enhanced form of backward compatibility.
This appears to be used only for Switch 1 games with Switch 2 add-ons or upgrades, and while not all official Nintendo ports have this feature, it’s a really great addition that Switch 2 games have.
However, this actually raises some more questions about the exact meaning of the game being Switch 2 only. If a Switch 1 game with basic extensions is given the official Switch 2 port, it is playable in an original and playable form, making it difficult for fans to distinguish between the two.
The lack of distinction between the console and its game is also related to consoles such as the PS4 and PS5. It would not be surprising if this confusing system leaves many fans refusing to upgrade until it is associated.
As always, we just need to wait and see what this will turn out. Hopefully some “Switch 2 Editions” of these games will bring enough meaningful changes to get fans on board.
