At Least 1 Switch 2 Game Cartridge Will Seemingly Work on Original Switch

Summary

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s Switch 2 Edition game card works on original Switch consoles.
The 64GB game card automatically loads the correct version based on the system it is inserted into.
The Switch 2 Edition includes the Upgrade Pack on the game card, meaning no additional downloads are needed.

In a surprising announcement, Marvelous Games confirmed that the physical Switch 2 Edition game card of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma can also be played on the original Switch console. The Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma 64GB game card will automatically boot up the respective version that matches the Nintendo console it’s inserted into.

Two of the main features of the Switch 2 are backward compatibility with original Switch games, along with enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles that take full advantage of the upcoming console’s improved hardware. While some titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will receive a free update to improve performance on the Switch 2, others will cost as much as $10 to $20 for the Switch 2 upgrade. Nintendo stated that all Switch 2 Edition titles will include the base game and the Switch 2 upgrade pack inside the same 64GB game card, with no additional downloads required besides subsequent patches made after launch.

Nintendo Switch 2 on red background with camera 2x1 composite

Nintendo Shares Final Switch 2 Price and Pre-Order Date for the U.S

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Weeks ahead of Nintendo’s highly anticipated console launch, the developers of a Switch 2 launch title shared some good news with fans. Marvelous Games confirmed in a FAQ post that physical Switch 2 Edition copies of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will also work on original Switch systems. Given that Switch and Switch 2 game cards are the same physical dimensions, Marvelous Games stated that the Guardians of Azuma Switch 2 game card will automatically boot up the Switch or Switch 2 version, depending on the console into which the game card is inserted. Additionally, Marvelous confirmed that the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack will be on the game card, with no additional downloads needed to play the game at launch. However, post-launch patches may still be released.

The Switch 2 Edition of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Will Work On Original Switch Consoles

The Switch 2 game card for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will also work on original Switch systems.
The 64GB game card will automatically load the correct version depending on which system it’s inserted into.
The Switch 2 Edition will also include the Upgrade Pack on the game card itself.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma launches alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.

Guardians of Azuma is a spin-off in the Rune Factory series, and puts players in the perspective of an amnesiac protagonist who must assume the role of Earth Dancer and heal the land of Azuma following a catastrophe called the Celestial Collapse. Keeping with the series’ tradition, Guardians of Azuma will feature romanceable NPCs that player characters can court throughout the game.

While initially planned to release on May 30 on Steam and the original Switch console, Guardians of Azuma was slightly pushed back to June 5 to line up with the Switch 2’s launch. It remains to be seen how Guardians of Azuma fares compared to past Rune Factory games.