Will Nintendo Switch 2 Games Include DLC On The Cartridge? Breath Of The Wild Update Details

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Post on Apr 11, 2025

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Will Nintendo Switch 2 Games Include DLC on the Cartridge? Breath of the Wild Update Details Spark Debate

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is generating immense buzz, and one of the most pressing questions on gamers' minds is the future of downloadable content (DLC). Will future Switch 2 games, including potential expansions to beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, ship with DLC pre-loaded on the game cartridge, or will the familiar digital download model persist? The recent Tears of the Kingdom updates and industry trends offer some clues, but the answer remains elusive.

The Cartridge Capacity Conundrum:

The size of game cartridges is a major factor. While technology advances, cartridge capacity still presents limitations compared to digital downloads. Larger games, particularly those with substantial DLC planned, might struggle to fit everything onto a single cartridge. This could force developers to choose between smaller cartridges with separate DLC downloads or larger, more expensive cartridges. Breath of the Wild's expansive world and potential for future expansions highlight this issue perfectly. Could a future Breath of the Wild 2 DLC fit on a single cartridge alongside the base game? The answer isn't clear-cut.

Digital Downloads: The Status Quo Remains Strong:

Despite the potential for cartridge-based DLC, the current industry standard heavily favors digital downloads. This allows for flexibility with updates, patches, and DLC releases, regardless of initial game size. Nintendo has largely stuck to this model, even with its physical game releases. This is convenient for both developers and consumers, offering a streamlined approach to content delivery. The ease of delivering updates and DLC digitally also means quicker turnaround times for expansions and fixes.

Breath of the Wild 2 and the DLC Question:

The recent updates for Tears of the Kingdom offer a glimpse into Nintendo's DLC strategy. While the base game was substantial, the post-launch DLC was delivered digitally. This sets a precedent that might carry over to the Switch 2. However, this doesn't preclude the possibility of future titles incorporating DLC onto the cartridge, particularly for smaller or less expansive games.

Analyzing Nintendo's Past Practices:

Nintendo has historically shown a willingness to adapt. While the Wii and Wii U utilized largely digital download models for DLC, the Switch maintained a mixed approach. This suggests the company may adopt a hybrid model for the Switch 2, using cartridges for base games and supplementing with digital downloads for DLC when necessary. This could become the industry standard as technology improves.

What This Means for Gamers:

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not DLC will be included on Switch 2 cartridges will likely depend on several factors: the game’s size, the developer’s preferences, and the overall cost. Gamers can expect a combination of both physical and digital DLC options, similar to the current Switch model. It's unlikely we'll see a complete shift to cartridge-only DLC for all titles.

The Future of Gaming on Switch 2:

The Nintendo Switch 2 promises exciting advancements, but the future of DLC delivery remains a significant question mark. While the convenience of digital downloads is hard to ignore, the potential of integrated DLC on cartridges offers an intriguing alternative. Only time will tell what strategy Nintendo ultimately chooses, but one thing is certain: the debate will continue to rage until the Switch 2 launches and we see how developers utilize the new hardware.