Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 Cheaper Physically Than Digitally in Japan

CD Projekt Red’s acclaimed open-world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, continues to make headlines with its Ultimate Edition launching on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Notably, Japanese gamers have discovered that purchasing Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition physically is more affordable than buying the digital version from the Nintendo eShop.

The physical release retails at 9,328 yen, while the digital download is priced at 9,878 yen, creating a price difference of 550 yen in favor of the traditional Game Card. The Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, which bundles the original game and the Phantom Liberty expansion, first launched in December 2023 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Its release on the Nintendo Switch 2 marks the game's debut on a portable Nintendo hardware platform, offering handheld players access to Night City for the first time.

The Switch 2 version features optimizations tailored for the hardware and supports both docked and handheld modes, continuing Nintendo’s tradition of versatile gameplay experiences. A significant aspect of this release is that, unlike the majority of third-party physical releases for the Nintendo Switch 2, which often use Game-Key Cards (code in a box solution), the Japanese retail version includes the entire Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition on a single Game Card.

Game Cards offer the convenience of playing without a required internet download, making them a preferred option among Nintendo enthusiasts and collectors.

This is in contrast to the growing trend of code-based retail packages for larger titles, due to physical storage limitations on earlier Nintendo cartridges. Internationally, such as in the United States, both the physical and digital versions of Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition are priced equally at $69.99 USD.

The price discrepancy in Japan, where physical media is cheaper than the digital SKU, stands out especially because Japanese and European Nintendo first-party releases often see digital pricing undercutting or matching their boxed counterparts.

While CD Projekt Red and Nintendo have yet to provide an explanation for this unique pricing structure, the straightforward inclusion of a full Game Card may contribute to the value perceived by Japanese consumers. A spokesperson familiar with the Japanese video game retail sector explained that physical game distribution in Japan remains robust, in part due to collector demand and established retail infrastructure.

According to industry sources, decisions on regional pricing and distribution formats can depend on factors such as manufacturing costs, local tax regulations, and consumer habits unique to each territory. For dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 owners and Cyberpunk 2077 fans in Japan, this development is a welcome opportunity to own a premium RPG experience at a more accessible price, while still enjoying the convenience of a complete Game Card package.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup expands with high-profile releases, regional differences in pricing strategies offer an ongoing subject of interest for industry watchers and enthusiasts alike. Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is now available for Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan via both physical retailers and the Nintendo eShop.

For more news and updates on Nintendo Switch 2 games and pricing, follow our ongoing coverage.

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