Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Switch 2 Physical Release Includes Both Switch Versions on One Cartridge

Marvelous, the renowned developer behind the long-running Rune Factory series, has confirmed a major convenience for fans anticipating Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma’s release on Nintendo Switch 2.

The upcoming physical "Switch 2 Edition" of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will include both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game on a single cartridge, according to an official FAQ posted on Marvelous’ website.

Nintendo has maintained strict secrecy around the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, leaving many industry observers and players speculating about compatibility and upgrade paths.

This makes Marvelous’ announcement particularly significant, as it brings much-needed clarity to the transition between console generations for physical releases on the Nintendo Switch platform. The official FAQ, highlighted by industry trackers Wario64 and VGC, describes the “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition” as a red 64GB game card that holds the complete Nintendo Switch title and an upgrade pack.

This design means users can simply insert the cartridge into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the appropriate version of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch automatically.

No additional downloads are required for the full game, ensuring those without reliable internet access can still enjoy the entire experience straight from the cartridge.

Marvelous did note that optional updates and patches may be provided via the Nintendo eShop, but these are not required to access the base content. Notably, while the "Limited Edition" package will not include the Switch 2 cartridge, the standard "Switch 2 Edition" is confirmed to support both platforms directly.

This approach acts as a safeguard for players planning to upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2, sparing them extra purchases or digital upgrade costs.

The decision also speaks to the flexibility of Nintendo Switch 2’s backward-compatibility infrastructure, a pressing topic among fans as the platform’s expected launch window approaches. This dual-version strategy is a clear effort by Marvelous to streamline the upgrade process for its user base, particularly for long-time Rune Factory enthusiasts.

By opting for a large-capacity 64GB cartridge, Marvelous ensures that both versions can coexist on a single physical medium — a technical and consumer-friendly achievement. While it’s not yet clear if this approach will become standard for all Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases, the move sets a positive precedent.

For now, those looking to purchase Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for either Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 will be best served by the physical Switch 2 Edition, as it extends compatibility and futureproofs their investment. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled to launch in 2024 for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, marking another milestone for Marvelous and reassuring physical game collectors as the industry transitions to new hardware.

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