After the initial unveiling of Virtual Game Cards at the Nintendo Direct on March 27, it's been revealed that the feature will also apply to games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and "Switch 2 Edition games," driving speculation about possible cross-generation titles. Set to be implemented on original Switch systems in late April, Virtual Game Cards essentially treat digital games as if they were physical cartridges, allowing Switch s to transfer them between consoles and lend them out to Nintendo Family Group .
Following the reveal of Virtual Game Cards, a page on the official Nintendo website has revealed that the feature will make distinctions for "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" in a footnote at the bottom of the page — which clarifies that they, along with Switch 2 exclusives, "can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system." Notably, the distinction between Switch 2 Edition games and Switch 2 exclusives is soft confirmation that some Switch games will get cross-generation releases on the Switch 2.
"Switch 2 Edition Games" Could Be Upgraded Versions Of Switch 1 Games
New Details On The Virtual Game Card System Strengthen The Possibility Of Cross-Gen Titles For Switch 2
Although no existing or Switch games have been announced as Switch 2 titles, the two most likely cross-generational candidates are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, both of which are set to release on the original Switch in 2025. With the Switch 2 expected to release within the year, and with an exact launch date expected to be announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct on April 2, it would make sense for Nintendo to want Metroid and Pokémon, both major releases, not to be stuck one generation behind.
Nintendo Switch Reveals Virtual Game Cards To Make Owning Multiple Consoles More Flexible
As revealed in the most recent Nintendo Direct, a new feature will allow Switch owners to more freely transfer their digital titles between systems.
ing this theory, both Metroid and Pokémon still only have vague release windows, set for 2025 and late 2025, respectively — and despite the fact that both games received new trailers in the most recent Direct, those release windows haven't changed from either game's initial reveal. In line with speculation regarding Legends: Z-A's potential release on Switch 2, both games could be receiving big reveals on April 2.
Will Nintendo's Cross-Generation Solution Be Messy Like PlayStation Or Smart Like Xbox?
Nintendo's Cross-Gen Titles Might Be Taking The Worst Approach
While cross-generation titles would give players more options and bolster the Switch 2's launch lineup, there is still the question of how exactly Nintendo will handle the titles that are available on both platforms. For comparison, Sony's cross-generation titles between the PS4 and PS5 took inconsistent approaches, requiring players to patch, update, or pay for next-gen versions of games they already owned. Xbox's Smart Delivery feature, on the other hand, simply made the best version of any game automatically available on a player's console if they owned that game.
Switch 2's Lending System Restrictions Are Unnecessary
While Nintendo's Virtual Game Card service allows for greater accessibility, the restrictions made to lending games on Switch feels unnecessary.
Unfortunately, the wording of "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games" might already imply that the Switch and Switch 2 versions of cross-generation games are separate, distinct purchases, especially with the disclaimer that Switch 2 Edition games can't be loaded onto the original Switch using the Virtual Game Card system. Hopefully, Nintendo will make owning cross-generation titles on the Nintendo Switch 2 a smooth experience, but early signs indicate otherwise.
Source: Nintendo
