Today's Nintendo Direct announcement of the new Virtual Game Cards feature for sharing games between systems has sparked both surprise and curiosity among fans. This feature, designed to facilitate game sharing between different Nintendo Switch systems, has led to some intriguing questions, particularly due to a footnote on an official Nintendo webpage that mentions the Nintendo Switch 2.
The webpage detailing how Virtual Game Cards work is mostly clear, but the footnote at the bottom of the page has caught the attention of many. 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" has fans puzzled. While "exclusive games" for the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected and understandable, the concept of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" is less clear. Given that the Nintendo Switch 2 is known to be mostly backward compatible with the original Switch, what exactly constitutes a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game"?
Some fans theorize that this could be a subtle hint at "enhanced editions" of existing Switch games, which would include new features or improved performance exclusively for the Switch 2. This would explain why these editions cannot be shared with the original Switch, as they would be functionally different and potentially incompatible.
However, other theories suggest that the mention of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" might not confirm anything new but rather indicate that some or all Nintendo Switch 2 games won't be transferable back to the original Switch via Virtual Game Cards. Another possibility is that this footnote simply leaves room for future third-party releases of "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games.
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but a spokesperson informed us that they would provide an answer on April 2, coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. So, fans, just a bit more patience is needed.
