What’s the difference between “Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games” and “Nintendo Switch 2 edition games”? Ninty says all will be revealed next week

What’s a Nintendo Switch 2 edition game, and how does it differ from the console exclusives it seems to be separate thing to? That’s the question folks have been left contemplating after stumbling across a bit of small print Nintendo’s put out there, and the console maker says you’ll get your answer next week.

Would that be the week that happens to feature a certain Switch 2 Direct? Yes, it is, Inspector Clouseau.

The bit of fine print that’s alerted everyone to Switch 2 edition games existing came attatched to the “Virtual Game Card” system Ninty revealed at yesterday’s original Switch-focused Direct – there’s more on that here. Naturally, after telling us that feature was coming, Nintendo put a webpage live that offers more info about how it works.

“Compatible systems must be linked to a Nintendo Account to use virtual game cards,” it reads, “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.”

Naturally, the big talking point’s been what difference between exclusive games and edition games is. The theory that seems most obvious is the edition ones being classic Switch games that end up getting special Switch 2 versions designed to make proper use of all the the hardware as the Switch 2-only exclusives will. That would make playing the regular Switch edition – to use another console for comparision – a bit like playing a PS4 copy of a game on your PS5. Still good, but not all-singing, all-dancing.

IGN reached out to Ninty to ask for clarfication as to what the small print means, and reports being told to wait until April 2 – the date of that big Switch 2 Direct. So, you can bet your collection of life-size Mario body pillows we’ll learn what a Switch 2 edition game is from Nintendo DIRECTLY then.

Do you think Switch 2 edition games will be original Switch games enhanced for Switch 2? Let us know below!