We have already outlined the expected Switch 2 launch window games, rumored titles like GTA 6 and Metal Gear Solid Delta as well as select Xbox titles and some details on backwards compatibility. And while Nintendo hasn’t fleshed out the details on exactly how Switch games will work on Switch 2 (we know some titles won’t have full compatibly), we do now have some details on how Nintendo Game Vouchers will work on the next-generation console.
No game voucher deals on Switch 2 exclusives
While much of the details landing on Switch outside of the initial official first-look trailer have come by way of leakers, rumors, and patent filings, Nintendo has taken to its official website with some new information on Switch and the Nintendo Switch Online Game Vouchers.
As a quick refresher for those who are yet to take advantage of Game Vouchers, they are essentially a way for gamers to save some cash on digital Switch games. Nintendo offers its Switch Online gamers a chance to buy official Nintendo Game Vouchers for $100 and then use them to redeem two games from a select and quite extensive group of titles. Considering most of the games the voucher works on are newer releases, or at least that’s the best way to get the best bang for your buck with them, they essentially allow you to score two $60 games for $100. And, while this isn’t entirely the case these days, these were traditionally among the only ways to score a deal on Switch game pre-orders and new releases.
Okay sweet, so Switch Online members will be able to use this method in the early days of Switch 2 to score deals on brand new titles for the new system that aren’t likely to go on sale? Well, no you can’t.
Nintendo has now officially updated the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers page on its website (in the UK) to specifically state the following:
Please note that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games.
Judging by the wording there, the vouchers will still be eligible for titles that are available on both Switch and Switch 2, but most folks are going to want those Switch 2 exclusives and there’s no telling how extensive development will be on new titles that will land on both consoles.
This perhaps doesn’t come as much of a surprise for some – it’s easy to see why Nintendo is going to want top dollar for both physical and digital Switch 2 exclusives, especially in the first year or so of release. But it also removes one of the many perks Switch Online comes along with and, as some have suggested, might indicate an official price hike on Switch games. Sony and Xbox have already bumped the price up $10 over the last couple years, much like Nintendo did with its latest Zelda epic, but does this indicate that all new Switch 2 exclusives will land at the $70 price point in the U.S.? Or perhaps that a new Switch 2 Voucher is on the way for $120? Only time will tell now.
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