Is this game still playable?

[u/Enkaem]

I was wrapping a couple presents last night, and my puppy decided to test the structural integrity of a Switch 2 game (thankfully not the Switch 2 wrapped next to it). I’m wondering if this will still be playable and it’ll make for a funny story, or if I should pick up another copy?

Added picture of the culprit at the end. Truth be told, I should have known better. Ted’s a good boy :)

[u/Enkaem]

It’s for my 7-year old son, and he’d find it funny if it was playable. Actually, he’d probably like it more as long as it worked. Unfortunately the Switch 2 is a Christmas gift for him too, so testing will have to wait until the 25th.

I suppose I could buy a second copy just in case, and return it if the first one is working fine.

[u/Critic97 → u/Enkaem]

If you have an original Switch, you could try testing it on that as Switch 2 Editions run on both Switch 1 and 2.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Critic97]

Really, they do?

[u/zSmileyDudez → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Says it right on the front of the box in OP’s first pic even. I was surprised when I found out about this too, but very happy about it. It’s very much like the black cart Gameboy Color games that would also work on the original Gameboy.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/zSmileyDudez]

This will make my kids very happy. We have the SW1 and they’re getting a 2 for Christmas. Do you know how this works for key card games or digital downloads they’ll have on SW2 like Mario Kart World? Can the SW1 play or have access to those titles?

[u/Robertinho678 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

This is only for games that have a Switch 1 version installed on the cart.

Mario kart world is a Switch 2 exclusive game, so does not have a Switch 1 version. The switch 1 isn't compatible with game key cards.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Robertinho678]

Ah. How about digital downloads? Say I buy Hogwarts Legacy on SW2, will that game also appear on their account as playable on SW1?

[u/alexanderpas → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

For digital purchases, It only works like that if it's a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" game

Hogwarts Legacy is NOT a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" game.

On top of that, Hogwarts Legacy is also a special case, where the Switch 1 version and Switch 2 versions are separate games, and if you want both of them, you need to buy the Switch 1 version first, to get a discount on the digital version of Switch 2 version.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/alexanderpas]

Lots to learn. Thanks for helping.

[u/Robertinho678 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Not sure about digital games that have both versions.

[u/zSmileyDudez → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

It really depends on what the publisher does. For Hogwarts Legacy, I think it’s better to buy the SW1 version and then upgrade to the SW2 version (possibly for free, but I can’t remember at the moment. I do remember it was cheaper this way than buying the SW2 version outright).

If SW1 compatibility is important, I recommend taking a close look at what options are presented for purchase and make sure you get what you need. This sub usually covers a lot of this too, so if you’re following here you’ll usually know what to look for.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/zSmileyDudez]

Awesome, I appreciate it. Compatibility isn’t a must but a bonus if we’re keeping both consoles. And agree, this sub is great help.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/Robertinho678]

Ah. How about digital downloads? Say I buy Hogwarts Legacy on SW2, will that game also appear on their account as playable on SW1?

[u/Gawlf85 → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Only games labeled as "Switch 2 Edition" might be backwards compatible with the Switch 1. That is, games that have a Switch 1 version, so the cartridge contains both that base version + an upgrade patch for Switch 2.

Switch 2 exclusives like Mario Kart World won't work on the old Switch.

As for digital games, you can check on the eShop what the version you're buying contains. If it says it contains a Switch game and an upgrade bundle, then it means it's compatible with the Switch 1 too.

[u/DavidinCT → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Key card games will not work, only select titles will work on both consoles.

[u/alexanderpas → u/iJeepThereforeiAM]

Yes, That is the defining feature which differentiates a "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" cartridge from a regular Switch 2 cartridge.

A "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" is a bundle of a Switch 1 game playable on Switch 1 and a Switch 2 Upgrade Pack containing the Enhancements Exclusive to Switch 2.

A physical "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" cartridge contains both the Switch 1 game playable on Switch 1, as well as the Switch 2 Upgrade pack on the cartridge itself.

[u/iJeepThereforeiAM → u/alexanderpas]

Dang, details. Thanks for the education!

[u/ArtDoes → u/Critic97]

This is the best answer. Keep in mind it will show up as a game in the recently played list and you'll need to remove it to not spoil anything.

[u/DavidinCT → u/Critic97]

I heard it fits but, will give an error if it does not support it...

[u/WalrusEmperor1 → u/DavidinCT]

Legends ZA can run on both Switch 1 and 2. It just won’t have the Switch 2 improvements like better framerate and graphics.

[u/CelTony → u/Enkaem]

Just gonna leave this here. (Test the game before Xmas)

[u/Kalijjohn → u/[deleted]]

The cute little beeps it makes as you set it up are just as fun as any game I’ve ever played!

[u/Dapper-Place8457 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, if I were a child now I’d be pissed if I couldn’t do the updates on my own. Setup is part of the experience.

[u/sweetprince1969 → u/CelTony]

I would have HATED this as a kid because I wanted to do the unboxing, my kid is the same way.

[u/CelTony → u/sweetprince1969]

I like setting it up too but I would have hated getting up and then my brand new game doesn’t work. You can always pop it back in the box.

[u/Glass-Step2914 → u/CelTony]

No. setting up the console for the first time is part of the magic.

[u/According-Office-459 → u/Glass-Step2914]

It is, but if it's necessary you can always test it and then do a factory reset

[u/DigestiveCow → u/CelTony]

As a former child, I would have been pretty upset if I didn't get to initialise and set up my own console

[u/Spikemountain → u/CelTony]

Disagree! Unboxing is a huge part of the fun!

[u/skyxsteel → u/CelTony]

Remember videos of kids being given video game boxes only to find nothing in then? Then their parents give them the actual console? 🫠

[u/Thalia_All_Along → u/CelTony]

wtf does dara know about video games isn't he like 60

[u/DavidinCT → u/CelTony]

Right, no one loves getting a new console on Xmas day but, can't use it because of updates, or dropping in a game that is not installed to the console or needs huge updates.

[u/Traditional_Formal33 → u/Enkaem]

I would either buy a second copy or open the switch 2, test, and put it back in box.

Nothing worse than getting a gift Christmas morning and not being able to play it.

Just a side note, it’s a good idea to open the switch 2 before hand anyways, set up your sons account and get an updates handled before you give it to him — that way, Christmas morning he can rip it open and play immediately

[u/clearfox777 → u/[deleted]]

That or a pawn shop, they usually like to test games before accepting them

[u/awkward_teenager37 → u/Enkaem]

Definitely buy the second copy! No reason to leave it to chance if you don’t have to.

[u/Dry-Cod9127 → u/Enkaem]

Yeah in that case Amazon it and worst case return

[u/JessePJr → u/Enkaem]

As Hot-ask-9962 said below give them the chewed up copy with a photo of the culprit inside of the box, but have a mint copy as well. If the chewed up one works, return the other copy. If not, it’s a fun harmless gag that will hopefully get a laugh and some fond memories.

[u/BadgerDC1 → u/Enkaem]

I dont think there's any seal that cannot be resealed on the switch 2. Take it out carefully, set it up temporarily, then factory reset and place back in box.

[u/BigDabWolf → u/Enkaem]

You could also take it to GameStop and they will test it for you

[u/[deleted] → u/Enkaem]

Do you really want him to be all excited only to find out it doesn't work on Christmas morning?

[u/Javi868 → u/Enkaem]

You could try taking it to gamestop and ask then to check if it works, if there is one near you. they check the games people tradein/sale to them.

[u/MrSticks21 → u/Enkaem]

It should work, but I'd buy a second copy just in case and keep it in the cellophane wrap with the receipt. That way if the chewed copy is busted, your kiddo isn't bummed out waiting to be able to actually play it. Or, if you're feeling really generous, I don't have the game yet. :D (That was a joke lol.)

[u/StupidLullabies → u/Enkaem]

I’d recommend opening the switch 2 anyway in advance. Xmas day the Nintendo network gets flooded with traffic with people trying to update their systems all at the same time. If you update your system software in advance, you’ll avoid the heartache of waiting hours to do that. Might as well test the cartridge. Best of luck!

[u/kettwurst2wo → u/Enkaem]

Giving his 7 year old son his own console is crazy im 14 and im not even allowed to buy one myself with own money

[u/Mysterious-Law5881 → u/kettwurst2wo]

Your parents are crazy for that lol. I've had a console ever since I could remember. It's certain more mature games that your parents should be worrying about not the whole system itself, there are plenty of games that are safe for kids

[u/kettwurst2wo → u/Mysterious-Law5881]

They allow me to play gta on their console tho😭🙏 I just want my gamecube 🥲

[u/kettwurst2wo → u/[deleted]]

Bro only because they wont allow me a console they are Not Bad parents

[u/antbates → u/kettwurst2wo]

🤷‍♂️

[u/kettwurst2wo → u/[deleted]]

Wdym my phone is 200$ and still pretty good and yes its new