Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma Switch 2 Cart Will Apparently Also Work On Switch 1

@Anti-Matter “the red Switch 2 cart contains the full Switch 1 game and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack”

So, no.

@Anti-Matter Couldn't even be bothered to read the article before commenting, I see.

@Anti-Matter you guessed wrong because that is not what the article says

So it is like the game boy color black cartridges

(Conker's Pocket Tales was totally different depending on colour or not!)

While this seems confusing at first, this is the way it should be. Microsoft was absolutely brilliant for the Smart Delivery system, and Nintendo and other third parties should mimic that set up in the future.

On an unrelated note, since the cost of games is seemingly rising again, can we bring back color manuals as a standard inside physical editions? Honestly speaking, not having manuals at all is a prime reason why I’ve gone mainly digital. I miss those days….

This is the only thing that explains the writing on the front of these Edition boxes and the previous reporting from Nintendo reps - red carts are backwards compatible and have the S1 game on them, but also work at full microsd-express-like read speeds on S2

@Anti-Matter "There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically", end quote.

@Anti-Matter Try reading the information that's already in front of you first.

Well that is good feels like the xbox (or gbc) transition really (which gave users a number of options). I have the CE on preorder so I was “stuck with the switch version”. That being said i will probably find someone to give the switch version to so I can buy the digital version on S2. Does mean I will need to be more selective with switch preorders here on out. Will have to switch to digital for the rest of my library going forward.

I thought the Switch 2 carts were high speed or some such to work that voodoo Nintendo magic so the Switch wouldn't be able to read them.

I suppose that was just the SD micro express cards or whatever the nomenclature is but surely I won't be the last person confused by all of this.🤷‍♂️

It is nice that they put both versions of the game on 1 card so people can play it on both. 👍

Wow, looks like @Anti-Matter jumped the gun in an effort to be first post!

That said, I love this. I wish Sony had done this with PS5 games somehow, having the PS4 and 5 versions on the same disc.

As much as some of Nintendo’s decisions annoy me, implementing this ability is a Very Good Thing.

Why is the upgrade pack $15? They're charging more than nintendo

@Anti-Matter Don't PS5 Disc games need to download the rest of the game to actually play it?

Honestly this is the way most games should be. 140 million switch 1s? Why not both?

If the upgrade pack gives you access to visual/performance improvements, then how will it work with physical Switch 1 carts?
Will the downloaded data really be enough to boost the game's performance or there will be some (negligible or not) differences between Switch 2 physical and Switch 1 Physical + Upgrade DLC?

is it possible this is just a switch 1 game being promoted like it's a switch 2 game?

I kept wondering if the story of "Nintendo offers only 3 cartridge options now" was true because of Rune Factory. It's a AA title and they're using a full blown cartridge but as they just confirmed that they're using a 64gb cartridge just like Cyberpunk.

I guess it's true then, there's no size variety in Switch 2 cartridges(yet) like we had during the Switch 1 generation, publisher either buys a game key card, 8gb or 64gb cartridge. That explains a lot now.

@-wc- No.

Well that's a... good sign? At least for cheap weirdos like me who are more interested in the C-Tier weirdos like Famicom Detective Club that don't NEED the power of the Super Switch to work. (No MAGES game has ever required more than a 360 level of power.)

Nice to see another developer use physical. Bodes well for Deamon X Machina

@-wc- I mean, that’s technically all Switch 2 Editions lol

@Zeebor15 *Switch 2

That can't be I saw another youtuber show how the design of the Switch 2 cart doesn't show that it fits with the Switch 1 console? So what are they giving more misinformation now about the Switch 2 carts? I think they got their wires crossed Nintendo does

So about this story? @.52sec in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3vYUIsT7JY&t=395s

I would very much like a boring FAQ or spreadsheet from Nintendo that lays out all the possible options you might actually get in a case if you buy physical and what they all do and don't do....

The messaging is awful.

Need more of this! Perfect 👌

@Jester676 it probably means that red cartridge games that are "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games don't have that notch, while Switch 2 exclusive red cartridges do have it to prevent you from inserting it in Switch 1.

@Solid_Python Nintendo Switch 2 edition are for Switch 2. Anything Switch 2 are exclusive to Switch 2 console and come in Red Cart.

@RoboCube Only if the publisher is a cheap git like Ubisoft or Microsoft. I've been seeing this parroted alot and i think people are conflating "install" with "download." All PS games since the 3 have had to install, but the "day 1 patch that's most if the game" is a cost saving measure used only by the over-produced, anti-consumer, made to he disposable annually garbage.

@tobsesta99 I know what I said

@Jester676 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games are on the red cartridge as well and they don't have that notch, that's the difference between "NS2 Edition" cartridge and "NS2 Exclusive" cartridge.

Here's a contradictions in their own statements:
According to the site, the red Switch 2 cart contains the full Switch 1 game and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack, but it can be inserted into and played on either console.
then
The publisher states that you won't need to download the full game to get it running on Switch 2, but instead, "the correct version will launch automatically" once you've put it in your console.
How can both be correct? I think their PR got the message wrong Switch 2 carts aren't made for Switch 1 consoles. Right in this last comment they made they clearly say "Switch 2" nothing was mentioned of Switch 1. They do have a Switch 1 version LE for Switch 1 that I preordered but that one never says Switch 2 edition on it.

@Solid_Python

pardon my ignorance, this is an area of S2 that i havent been following closely. ✌️

my followup question then i guess is, how do you know that?

So is it confirmed all upgrade packs are going to cost £10 in the UK? That's not too bad tbh, but Rune Factory for the Switch 1 costs £44 physical and the Switch 2 version is £59 so it works out cheaper to buy the Switch physical version and get the upgrade pack separate.

@tobsesta99

i got a flat "no" from another user, but im not convinced. ✌️

@-wc- the very article you and me are talking in lol

"Switch 2 version of Guardians of Azuma boasts higher resolution visuals and improved frame rates over the Switch 1 edition"

and

"The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a red 64GB game card"

There are no red 64gb Switch 1 games.

Here's the Amazon posting and if you look there are two version not one. One for Switch 1 and one for Switch 2.

http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Guardians-Standard-Nintendo-Switch-2/dp/B0F3KMTVYQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UQ001PB68CPS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v8e5V_gWy0x3nfFgN8q1SDobFu_opDuTiKMKvygSvzBMwcz8zImqYuM3PwihMZZ_.9LJIT4UavQ5CqiBaBmJ7hb7RrP1wwo6nd19K5N9lssI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rune%2BFactory%3A%2BGuardians%2Bof%2BAzuma%2Bswitch%2B2&qid=1744997064&sprefix=rune%2Bfactory%2Bguardians%2Bof%2Bazuma%2Bswitch%2B2%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1&th=1

If you click on the Platforms. They clearly are different one is Red Switch 2 and one is Switch 1 version. The listing clearly states one is Switch 2 "Red" and Switch 1.

@RoboCube Nope. The full games (minus a patch or two) are fully on the disc 99.9% of the time for PS4 and PS5.

Aren't we to understand that this is how all of these will work? BOTW and TOTK are all on one as well. I assume you can put S2 carts in S1. But without S1 games on them, they probably won't do anything.

@Jester676 And if you look at the box art for the Switch 2 version, it clearly states that the Switch 1 and Upgrade Pack are present.

@Solid_Python

"Switch 2 version of Guardians of Azuma boasts higher resolution visuals and improved frame rates over the Switch 1 edition"

but is it the same code being presented at a higher frame rate and resolution?

"There are no red 64gb Switch 1 games."

there are not red switch 1 carts. is it possible to put a switch 1 game on a red cart?

im not trying to grill you, I'm trying to work out how much of this is a distinction without a difference kind of thing. ✌️

They ought to be clearer about releases that are cross-compatible and perhaps release only one SKU instead of releasing two separate versions.

In any case, cross-compatible cartridges would be the best case scenario moving forward.

On the flip side, a 64GB cartridge for what looks like a modestly-sized game. What?!

@dskatter It says Switch 2 and upgrade pack together. It says you can buy the upgrade separately. Where does it says it's Switch 1? That upgrade sounds more like for Switch 1 version to upgrade.

Here's from nintendeal.

http://x.com/Nintendeal/status/1911885106568126750

Now we got the publisher themselves giving "misinformation" and only feeding into the goats and their story.

remember when new consoles were so exciting, we really didnt worry too much about backwards compatibility?

Yessss!! This has been my biggest question and everyone keeps telling me otherwise.

Very happy to hear that this will work this way. It means that I can always buy the Enhanced edition and know it'll work on the Switch 1 (when the game supports it) rather than buy a separate copy of the Switch 1 if I intend to play that too.

There will be two versions of RF, a Switch edition in a black cart only compatible with the Switch 1 and another more expensive Switch 2 edition that you are able to play in either system. Of course the black cart could still be upgraded for an adittional fee that would virtually make your black cart a red cart...with the difference that the added size would take space from your Switch 2 memory soace or express SD card.

I think the thing here is that the 64 GB space is so big they can give themselves the luxury of including both versions of the same game right from the get go and still hace space to spare, one being the Switch 1 and another almost duplicate game inside form the Switch 2 edition. This reinforces the widespread theory that is either the 64 GB cart or key cart with the console, no in betweens.

@Jester676 The front of the package says “Includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack” and then also tells you that you CAN buy the upgrade pack separately. That’s so people don’t buy this AS an upgrade pack or something silly like that.

…I don’t see how this is ambiguous in any way, shape or form. It’s letting you know that you CAN buy the upgrade pack separately. It also says this COMES with it.

There is nothing unclear about this.

@UltimateOtaku91

You pay less for the Switch 1 + separate upgrade pack combination, but then you need to sacrifice precious digital storage for the upgrade size, seems like a fairly logical deal at the end of the day...at least more logical than some other Switch 2 price conundrums.

Waiting for a YouTuber to find a way to spin this into a NEGATIVE thing 😅

@Bizzyb “People without basic reading comprehension won’t understand and might think it’s just an upgrade! Nintendo is literally {insert name of evil person or deity here}!”

When hearing about Bravely Default coming to Switch 2 I had hope that there would be a Switch 1 release as well. This news article brings more hope.

@dskatter I'm kinda glad they didn't, with how many Xbox games only have the Xbone version on the disc. That said, I hope it works out with most third party games here.

@HammerKirby Yup, I HATE Smart Delivery on my series X. I’m glad Nintendo (mostly) went in a good direction for these.

I'm debating between this and Mario Kart as my first Switch 2 game.

... If I manage to get a Switch 2, that is.

@JimNorman
I'm confused. But Switch 2 carts won't fit on Switch 1 console right?

@antlion They appear to be the exact same shape and size, based on everything I’m seeing. Only real difference beyond capacity and (on the 2) access speed is that the card is red.

@dskatter
There is a big design difference between Switch 2 cards and Switch 1 cards. Not just capacity largest seen for Switch 2 cards are 64gb aka Cyberpunk 2077 and read speed are different and come complete on Switch 2 minus DLC aka BOTW. You can't put Switch 2 card in Switch 1 Only Switch 2 will take both Switch 1 and Switch 2 cards.
http://x.com/Nintendeal/status/1911885106568126750

For shame Capcom and Square. If Marvelous can afford to use 64 gig carts so can you. Hopefully more publishers go this route. I'll be more inclined to buy games that do this on Switch 2.

@Jester676 And yet they’re selling Switch 2 cards that work in both Switch 1 and 2 consoles. Hmmmm…

You do understand that these carts can still be read, they just won’t a) have access to the full capacity or b) have access to the increased speed on Switch 1, right? It’s like using a USB 3 device on a USB 2 port or a newer SD card on an older reader. It can still be READ, it just won’t go as fast. That notch does NOTHING to prevent you from inserting it into an OG Switch, which is obvious at a glance.

That’s clearly a “Hey, Switch 2, you can read this faster!” notch, not a “This prevents this card from being inserted into an OG Switch” notch.

@-wc- Upgrade pack loads from the game card depending on if it detects a Switch 2 or an OG Switch console. That's it. I mean, if this article is to be believed.

We are not sure, yet, if this is a special case where the publisher/developer asked for special Switch 2 cards that can be inserted in the OG Switch or if all Switch 2 Edition cartridges will be like this. We'll know when everything releases.

@dskatter No they are not where are you reading this at? If you want to damage your Switch 1 console and Switch 2 game cards be my guest and damage them-no warranty will fix that for you. This isn't the same as USB2 to USB3. Your making a false analogy to to give misinformation. Did you not read the link and what it says. My guess is your one of those on Nintendo Direct "Drop the Price" montra.

@Jester676 I looked at your own links. You should give it a try.

Everything in this NL article, the official Amazon listing and your own cart comparison link (the two latter of which, hilariously, you shared but apparently haven’t read completely) clearly show you can insert a Switch 2 cart into a Switch 1.

The notch appears to be solely a “Hey, Switch 2, make sure you access the storage on here that the Switch 1 can’t see!” flag.

I’m afraid the one who is misinterpreting this information is you. No hard feelings, not accusing YOU of misinformation (unlike what you just accused me of…), just clarifying what you appear to have missed.

@Yomerodes you're right, but no need to have "duplicate game data". It's just that the upgrade pack loads only if it detects a Switch 2 console. Otherwise, it doesn't.

This is all just too confusing.

@dskatter Then don't buy Switch 2 or the games. If you feel that much. The rest of us will move on and keep gaming. You clearly don't want to clearly doesn't fit your narrative which is what misinformation is exactly.

@Jester676 …what are you even talking about? You’re building all these straw man arguments like I’m some kind of Nintendo hater or something.

Look. At. The. Carts. The notch does NOTHING to prevent the card being inserted into the OG Switch.

Ah, well. Thanks for the interaction, I’ve been nothing less than cordial to you, it’s a shame you can’t return the favor.

@Jester676 Chill out , breathe and remember that GBC done the same thing !

What about the Earth Dancer Edition? Is that Switch 1 only? There is no listing for a Switch 2 version on their website. Pay $100 plus $15 to get the upgrade?

@DanaTheElf Isn't the new Mario Kart just Diddy Kong racing 2 with Mario instead of Diddy Kong?

Switch 1 is now forward compatible lmao

@jorel262 switch only as of right now. No CE version for switch 2. That being said as you can buy the s2 upgrade; you would just put the switch game in a switch 2, buy the upgrade and then it functions exactly like the red card version. So yes to the 115 price. Here’s hoping marvelous figures some way to give the upgrade to the CE owners (like a preorder code).
I suspect they have already ordered/packaged the CE with normal switch carts.

Since I am going digital on switch 2 I will have to buy the game twice.

Why can't Nintendo just explain how the switch 2 is working??

Nintendo said that Switch 2 Editions would contain the Switch 1 Game and the Switch 2 Upgrade on the cartridge, both in online statements and right there on the front cover of the case. So therefore, why is it a surprise that the Switch 1 part of the cartridge is allegedly able to work on a Switch 1? It's essentially like a Game Boy Color cartridge: put it in a Game Boy Color or Advance and you get color, put it in a regular Game Boy and you get the monochrome version, unless the box says otherwise. How is it that difficult to comprehend? I was saying this might be the case even before the Switch 2 was unveiled.

ok....
will it still run good on switch OG?

I think this is stupid and should be permitted by Nintendo.🤔 Can't believe this isn't causing major confusion, if I bought a Switch 2 game, which I also can use in Switch and the next game I buy doesnt work in my old Switch.

@dskatter
I assumed you can't insert Switch 2 carts on Switch 1 because of that notch. Thanks for clearing it up. Cheers.

Just to be clear you can insert the gamecards for Switch 1 and 2 in both systems. The notch changes are for the system to understand what card has been inserted into that system, not to prevent a card being put into a system - so yes you can put a Switch 2 card in the Swich 1 port - it will only work where the publisher puts both ports on one card though (hence why Nintendo won't publices this to ensure consumers aren't confused).

The reason that Rune Factory is using the 64GB card for this game is that, in this instance, both the Switch one version and the upgrade are going onto this card.

You can play any Switch 2 edition games in Switch 1, and it just strips out the Switch 2 upgrade pack.

Hope that clears things up for anyone unsure or misinformed.

@antlion I figured they weren’t backward compatible till this article cleared a LOT up. I figured it’d be a 3DS cards not going into a DS situation, but this method of letting S2 cards work in both this way with the upgrade data and higher speeds kicking in on S2 but S1 still able to access is a VERY good sign from Nintendo. It’s what I WANTED for PS4 to PS5 but just couldn’t have!

@darylb24 Exactly. Sadly, you try to explain this to certain people and they accuse you of all sorts of interesting things here! May you not be called a misinformation spreader!

@darylb24 Where are you getting that information? No where do I see Nintendo say Switch 2 cards work in Switch 1 system.

Another story a youtube user saying why the difference..

The Physical DIFFERENCE Between Switch 1 and Switch 2 Cartridges!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f25UsSbioPU

Like the GBC era. Pretty cool, except there isn't any difference between cross gen and switch 2 only. Some people will definitely be confused.

According to the site, the red Switch 2 cart contains the full Switch 1 game and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack, but it can be inserted into and played on either console.
Can someone point to me where NL says Switch 2 version can be played in Switch 1 from their FAQ? Not what someone says it says but where it says so?

http://marvelousgames.com/news/rune-factory-guardians-of-azuma-nintendo-switch-2-faq

@darylb24 @dskatter
I get where Jester is coming from though. The Direct (if my memory serves me correctly) implied that the "red" Switch 2 carts won't work on Switch 1 systems. I assumed it won't simply read the cartridge. Then there was this Tweet about the notch differences which further confirms Switch 2 cards won't work (and won't fit) on Switch 1 consoles.

@antlion The notch difference just confirms that a Switch 2 card can be inserted into a Switch 1.

Given that Nintendo doesn’t allow incompatible games to be inserted into an incompatible system historically, this is very telling proof in and of itself. Either a) Nintendo it opening themselves up for a HUGE lawsuit or b) Switch 2 cards in a Switch 1 either access the Switch 1 game or simply give a “sorry, can’t use this in this system!” message.

It’s looking more and more like option b with access, which would be a FANTASTIC thing from Nintendo this generation. But you try and explain this to some people and they just post links from random YouTubers who are just after clicks…

But hey, according to some people, I’m some random anti-Nintendo misinformation spreader who’s angy about prices or something.

@Jester676 Right here, from the very link you shared, which kinda makes me think you genuinely aren’t reading the links you share:

“WHAT IS THE PHYSICAL "NINTENDO SWITCH 2 EDITION"?

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a red 64GB game card that includes, in full, the Nintendo Switch game and the Upgrade Pack.

There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.”

Is that clear enough for you finally? Or am I still a misinformation spreader? Or is Marvellous, a licensed Nintendo game developer spreading misinformation somehow?

I asked Marvellous though contact us to explain how a Switch 2 card can be inserted into a Switch 1 and sent them the Nintendo Live events of the video showing the card difference and asked them to explain how that is as well. Whether or not this is correct.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f25UsSbioPU&t=66s
The youtube here also tells why the difference.

@Jester676 It’s already been explained. Several times. The USB 2.0 vs 3.0 thing, the newer cards will just read at a slower speed on the OG model. It’s perfectly clear. The cards are the SAME SIZE and the notch doesn’t prevent insertion into an OG Switch at all. It’s a trigger for the Switch 2 that it’s a higher speed/larger capacity card and to go with that.

Still waiting for an acknowledgement that I’m not a Nintendo hating misinformation spreader, by the way!

USB are poor examples you can't slot Switch 2 into a Switch 1 slot. There is data difference and architecture programming otherwise why but Switch 2 if our Switch 1 can till run Switch game platform.

@Jester676 I…don’t know how many times this has to be explained to you.

The Switch 1 and 2 cards are the EXACT SAME SIZE and the notch on the 2 cards DOES NOT PREVENT inserting into the Switch 1. Stick this card into a Switch 1, you have the Switch 1 version. Stick it in a Switch 2, you get the Switch 2 version as the 2 will access that part of the card with the 2 version.

What about this are you not grasping?

Either way, you absolutely refuse to understand even after the developer themselves said that it will work in their FAQ. Oh well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. Or think, in some situations.

Okay, this isn't too dissimilar to what already happens when I put The Last of Us Part 2 in my PS5. It knows I've purchased the remaster so it will show that in place of the ps4 version now. However I can still use the disc on my PS4.

@dskatter So you have Switch 2 and Switch 2 games to show us? You have PS5 media and put that on a PS3 media drive and it will not work.

@Jester676 Once again the point flies over your head.

To reiterate what Marvelous said about a Switch 2 game card: “ There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.”

It amazes me that you still don’t believe what the makers of this game are saying.

When you find out that the devs you’re doubting are right and so am I, you don’t need to apologize for stubbornly believing things that aren’t true. Just knowing that YOU know that you were wrong will be enough.

Be well, and good luck to you in life!

So Gameboy to Gameboy Color or Xbox OG/360 on the same such as the Burger King games. Why not I'm fine with that being a thing.

That or like Pikmin 1 & 2 HD or other bundled versions it just offers the other but instead of two games that way it's for either console version. That or some other example 'in a way'. There was a other console equivalent example but can't remember. Probably digital then on the disk so not relevant.

Even Smart Delivery kind of was that but to me was kind of sad if it was just 'internet key for Series versions' as big games would but small games could easily fit on the disks but was still a download trigger.

It's not a USB back compat comparison as that's feature differences, CPUs have i3 to i7 features disabled rather then taken away I think.

SD cards with an adaptor would be just comparable to something else. Forget what example I was going to use there.

So either way fair solution the GBC/Xbox Burger King games type approach on the cart, as long as Nintendo doesn't pull an Xbox and go look we have 360/One versions in different cases. I mean they did digital codes for Tipping Stars and wasted plastic because they think audiences can't tell the difference even with a digital code in a box.

Then the Xbox One/Series smart delivery one or PS4/5 being also just a download as well.

@UltimateOtaku91
But then you will only have the upgrade pack as a download and not on the cart.

Here's the latest I read...

About Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games
http://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/switch-2-edition/

The interesting part is this:

Features and content of a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game can only be played on Nintendo Switch 2.

If you already have the original Nintendo Switch game—as either a physical or digital version—you can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by purchasing the game's upgrade pack from Nintendo eShop, My Nintendo Store, or retailers. After you upgrade, the original Nintendo Switch game can still be played on Nintendo Switch, though the features and content of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition can only be played on Nintendo Switch 2.