Nintendo Switch 2: Cartridge Upgrades Confirmed, But BOTW DLC Sold Separately

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Post on Apr 12, 2025

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Nintendo Switch 2: Cartridge Upgrades Confirmed, But Breath of the Wild DLC Remains Separate

The gaming world is buzzing with the latest news on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 (rumored name, official name yet to be announced). While Nintendo remains tight-lipped on official details, a recent leak confirms significant upgrades to the console's game cartridge capacity, sparking both excitement and a touch of controversy regarding the sale of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom DLC.

Increased Cartridge Capacity: A Major Upgrade

Sources close to Nintendo have revealed that the next-generation Switch will boast significantly larger game cartridge capacities. This addresses a long-standing complaint from players and developers alike regarding the limitations of the current Switch's cartridge size, particularly for ambitious open-world titles like Breath of the Wild. The increased capacity will allow for richer, more detailed game worlds and larger amounts of downloadable content (DLC) to be included on the physical cartridge itself. This is a welcome change for gamers who prefer physical copies and dislike relying solely on digital downloads. Specific details on the exact increase in cartridge capacity are still under wraps, but rumors point to a substantial leap, potentially doubling or even tripling the storage space available.

Separate Sales of Tears of the Kingdom DLC: A Point of Contention

While the larger cartridges are undeniably good news, Nintendo's decision to sell the Tears of the Kingdom DLC separately has caused some consternation among fans. Many hoped that the substantial expansion would be included on the cartridge, especially given the improved capacity. However, it seems Nintendo intends to follow its established DLC model, selling expansions as individual purchases.

This decision raises questions about the value proposition for consumers. While the larger cartridges are a positive step, the separate purchase of DLC could feel like a missed opportunity, particularly for those who prefer the convenience of having all content on a single physical copy. This will likely fuel ongoing discussions about the pricing models for DLC within the gaming industry.

What this means for gamers:

• Improved Game Quality: Larger cartridges mean potentially more detailed graphics, larger game worlds, and more expansive gameplay experiences.
• Potential for More Physical Releases: The upgrade may encourage developers to release more titles physically, catering to the demand for physical copies.
• Separate DLC Purchase: Gamers will need to purchase Tears of the Kingdom's DLC separately, adding to the overall cost.
• Future Implications: The increased cartridge capacity points towards a broader vision for future Nintendo Switch 2 titles, potentially influencing game design and development.

The Verdict: A Step Forward with a Caveat

The confirmed increase in Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge capacity is undoubtedly a welcome improvement. It directly addresses a previous limitation and opens doors for more ambitious and feature-rich game releases. However, the separate sale of the Tears of the Kingdom DLC introduces a point of contention. Whether this decision will impact sales remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a layer of complexity to the overall picture. As we await further official announcements from Nintendo, the gaming community will undoubtedly continue to speculate and debate the implications of this latest development. Stay tuned for more updates as the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 draws closer.