Nintendo Switch 2 does not need a day-one patch to play native games

A few lucky users got their Nintendo Switch 2 units earlier than usual. Much to their (and everyone else's) dismay, the console was little more than a colourful brick because it refused to run pretty much anything. Some speculated it needed a day-one patch to unlock full functionality. While that may be true for some features, it can reportedly run native games with no issues.

Felipe Lima, Editor-in-chief of Nintendo fan site Universo Nintendo, has confirmed the Switch 2 can run native games like Mario Kart World without a software update. Apparently, that also holds true for any Nintendo Switch 2 game that is fully loaded on a cartridge. Game-Key Cards and Nintendo Switch 1 titles will require the above-mentioned day-one patch.

That could explain why many thought the console was fully inoperable without a software update. Overall, it is a silver lining because gaming consoles should not need a day-one to unlock full functionality. That said, the Nintendo Switch 2's micro SD card slot will not work without one, neither will 3D Audio. One can, technically, grab a Nintendo Switch 2, some games and rest easy without an internet connection, and someone will definitely try it post-launch.