First Look: Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridge Revealed

Nintendo has given us our first real glimpse of the Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridge ahead of its launch next month. The latest video from the Nintendo Today app showcases the official Switch 2 carrying case, designed to securely hold up to six Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2 cartridges. As expected, the Switch 2 cartridges maintain the same size and shape as their predecessors, allowing the Switch 2 to feature just one cartridge slot for backward compatibility. However, there’s a notable difference: the color.

The Switch 2 cartridges are red, and this seems to be a consistent choice across all models—not just the Mario Kart World cartridge featured in Nintendo's video. (If you haven’t seen the video yet, you can catch it via OatmealDome on X / Twitter.)

Additionally, the printed design sticker on top of the cartridge includes a Switch 2 logo instead of the classic Nintendo Switch branding found on earlier models.

[Switch 2]

Here's a closer look inside the official Switch 2 carrying case. It comfortably fits the console with Joy-Con attached, six cartridges, and two Joy-Con straps.

(As anticipated, Switch 2 cartridges remain the same size as Switch 1 cartridges.) pic.twitter.com/h7k0tqThQz

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) May 19, 2025

Apart from the color change, the Switch 2 cartridges are otherwise identical, including the bitter coating applied to deter accidental ingestion—a safety measure confirmed by Switch 2 director Takuhiro Dohta during an interview with GameSpot.

"We don't want anyone at risk of unintended consumption," said Dohta. "We've ensured that if it does enter your mouth, you'll immediately spit it out."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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The highly anticipated Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025—just three weeks away. In other news, a recent report suggests that Nintendo’s primary electronics partner, Samsung, is already considering an OLED screen upgrade for a potential Switch 2 hardware refresh.