Topic: Nintendo Switch 2

@rallydefault
If it doesn't specify then it's just the game. Any digital game or game with digital DLC will show.

You must load the digital games to play. Every game on the system can be loaded at the same time which essentially just makes it like normal- every game can be played by simply launching it.

But you can also lend those games or digital DLCs to either another Switch with your profile on it, or another Switch with user account that's a member of your family group. The first time you do it the systems must be next to each other just like sharing a physical game in person, but after that first time you can share over the internet.

You can also still play your digital games on a second Switch via an online DRM check the same way it's been done the last 8 years, if you go to User Profile Icon > User Settings > License Settings and toggle to ON.

And that's it. It's actually a brilliant system once you've come to terms with it.

You redownload games from the virtual game cards menu. Select the game, go to options, select DOWNLOAD DATA. You can also hide virtual game cards you don't want to see. You can also sort by those loaded on the system, loaded on another system, or not loaded on any system.

@rallydefault
And yes it's just digital. Hence "virtual" game cards. Physical remains unchanged. And physical games previously inserted still show up in the All Software menu accessible from the far right edge of the home menu. VGC menu is for digital games and digital DLCs. Any game listed in the VGC menu means you own it digitally or you own DLC content for it digitally.

@JaxonH
Ok, thank you.

So my Stardew Valley is showing up there because I originally bought it as a digital game, but then I bought a used cartridge of it later on. Right? And if I want, I can just tell the menu to hide games like that.

@rallydefault
Yup

I just hid all my demos and online play tests and digital art books and media apps and DLC-only icons and games I don't really care about. That way I can transfer profile to Switch 2 and my Virtual Game Card screen is already cleaned up nice and tidy.

They did remove the ability for the two Switches to play the same digital game at the same time. Although the new system is easier to use and slicker than the old system, they removed that fairly powerful ability for multi-Switch families.

Edit: I realize there is a loop hole but it's kind of annoying and only works for offline games so it's still weaker than the old system.

@Jester676 I know. I know it's only for pre-orders.

@JaxonH
One more question: So when I click "load game" on one of these virtual game cards that currently has a grayed-out cartridge icon, does that just tell my system to download the whole game or just the license for the game? Or something else?

That $250 collectors edition for Raidou Remastered via Limited Run Games...that is still using a game-key card has me all kinds of depressed this morning.

I need something a little extra in my coffee today.

@Magician One reason that they will start loosing Nintendo buyers of Physical games. They need to really advocate this is trash release.

I'm sure this has been said before, but does anyone have an exhaustive list of launch day games? Specifically, which games are digital code in boxes, eshop releases, game key cards, and physical cartridges? I think MKW and Cyberpunk are the only 2 physical cartridge releases correct?

@NintendoByNature

Of the launch games, those that are being released physically?

Cyberpunk 2077, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and Mario Kart World are the only three new releases. Legend of Zelda: BotW (minus DLC), Legend of Zelda: TotK are the Switch 2 Editions which will be cartridge releases. Everything else is releasing later in the launch window.

@rallydefault
Loading has nothing to do with downloading. Loading just means you "inserted the cartridge into your system". Its just like how it would work if it were physical. Loading a game tells the system which console the digital cartridge is, well, loaded into.

A loaded game could be downloaded or not downloaded.

Has it been officially announced whether proper carts are still plug and play on Switch 2 like on Switch 1? So for example if you put Cyberpunk (Switch 2) or XCX (Switch 1) in your Switch 2, would you be able to just play it straight away.

Aside from Cyberpunk 2077 most likely getting a day-one patch and/or post patches, yeah...cartridges should be plug and play.

XCX on the other hand? The cartridge will be plug and play, yes. But the quality of the game's performance is unknown at the moment. Switch 2 plays Switch 1 games via emulation. And the compatibility will vary from game to game.

https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-...

@Grumblevolcano
Yes. Games on cart play from the cart.

ON CART

• Mario Kart World
• Zelda Breath of the Wild NSW2 Ed.
• Zelda Tears of the Kingdom NSW2 Ed.
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

KEY CART

• Bravely Default HD Remaster
• Street Fighter 6
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
• Hitman World of Assassination
• Sonic X Shadow Generations¹
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S¹

CODE IN BOX

• Split Fiction

DIGITAL

• Welcome Tour
• Fast Fusion
• Hogwarts Legacy¹
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Godess
• Deltarune
• Fortnite
• Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
• Survival Kids
• Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening
• Civilization VII²

1. upgrade pack not available
2. standalone digital version not available- must purchase Switch version first and then purchase the upgrade pack, which features full map scenarios, 4p MP, 4k docked/FHD handheld support and mouse integration

@JaxonH

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar isn't a launch title.

And Survival Kids is a game-key card in Japan and digital only in North America.

@Magician
Ah, right. That one releases a week or so before Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion (also on cart).

Updated.

@JaxonH thanks for that. Then it's settled, I'll be supporting Cyberpunk for being on the cart, fast fusion for being a great franchise and pricing it at an affordable amount, and Botw upgrade since I've been needing a reason to replay that. The rest can wait, but split fiction and SF6 are both on my radar, in a sale down the road.

I'm going to pick up Cyberpunk, because I've been curious about that game since launch (and it supports physical - though I'm almost entirely digital with the Switch...Switch 2 file sizes + high price of memory will force me to change). I'm also going to pick up SF6 - I love fighting games even though I'm not any good. Also considering Welcome Tour (depending on reviews - looks better than 1-2 Switch) and Fast Fusion. Most excited to finally own Elden Ring - that'll be day one when it releases.

@NintendoByNature
Split Fiction is a must own for Switch 2. A co-op game on the system that can bust out 2 controllers for co-op with tabletop mode any time. And It Takes Two is so good. I recently started playing it to try it out and ya. It's 🔥 🔥 Split Fiction looks even better. I couldn't stop watching the gameplay for it from the NSW2 Experience.

But ya, Cyberpunk for sure. And for me, Rune Factory. It's so Zelda TotK inspired- the combat is similar, it's got those Chinese dragons and floating islands but you can ride the dragon to the islands... it looks excellent.