Civilization VII on Nintendo Switch 2: Code-in-Box Release Details, Performance, and Upgrade Pack Revealed

As anticipation builds around the imminent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, new details have emerged regarding Sid Meier’s Civilization VII and its release strategy on Nintendo platforms.

Following a successful debut on the original Nintendo Switch, Civilization VII will be making an appearance on the next-generation hardware, but with notable differences in its physical release format and performance capabilities. Civilization VII was recently introduced to the Nintendo Switch, giving turn-based strategy enthusiasts the full grand strategy experience on the go.

The physical edition for the current Switch includes a traditional game card, a move that resonates with fans who value tangible game collections.

However, a recent listing from a major online retailer has confirmed that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release will take a different approach: “Download code only.

No game card is included.” This means that while the game will be available for purchase in stores, buyers will receive a code to download Civilization VII from the eShop, rather than a physical cartridge. This approach is consistent with the precedent set by Take-Two Interactive and its publishing arm, 2K, over the course of the Nintendo Switch lifecycle.

The company has often favored digital or code-in-box physical releases, especially for substantial third-party titles, due to factors such as cost, file size, and distribution logistics. In addition to format changes, significant performance improvements have been outlined for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization VII.

According to the same retailer’s product description, players can expect enhanced graphics with the potential to reach "up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, or 1080p at 60 frames per second when the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock is connected." This marks a significant upgrade over the original Switch version, which was constrained by the hardware’s technical limitations. For current owners of Civilization VII on the original Nintendo Switch, 2K and Nintendo are offering a convenient upgrade path.

An “upgrade pack” will be made available at launch for $9.99, or its equivalent in other regions, allowing users to unlock the enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 features without purchasing the game anew.

Nintendo’s official product page for the upgrade details that the file size on Switch 2 will come in at approximately 7.8GB. This update arrives shortly after similar news regarding other major third-party releases—most notably, EA’s Split Fiction on Switch 2, which will also be distributed via a download code rather than a game card.

Such trends highlight the shifting landscape of physical game distribution as digital downloads continue to grow in popularity across Nintendo’s hardware ecosystem. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII continues to build on its legacy as one of the most revered strategy franchises, and its enhanced presence on Nintendo Switch 2 underscores a commitment by both Take-Two and Nintendo to bring high-profile, content-rich titles to their newest console.

Fans can look forward to a next-generation Civilization experience, whether through a new purchase or a seamless upgrade from the original Nintendo Switch.

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