Why Nintendo’s Game Vouchers Can’t Be Used for Switch 2 Exclusives: What Gamers Need to Know

Nintendo has shared that the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers won’t be usable for exclusives on the upcoming Switch 2. This news comes from VGC.

These vouchers, introduced in 2019, aimed to help players save a bit on first-party games. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can spend £84/$100 to get two popular titles like Breath of the Wild or Pokémon Scarlet & Violet—normally more expensive if bought separately.

While not the biggest savings in the gaming world, these vouchers were a nice perk, especially since Nintendo games rarely go on sale.

As the Switch 2 launch approaches, a recent update on the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers page noted:

Please note that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games.

This clear message confirms that while the vouchers will still work for existing Switch titles, like the new Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, they won’t cover upcoming games like Mario Kart 9.

It’s likely that Mario Kart 9 will be a Switch 2 exclusive, as the statement suggests. However, some cross-platform releases may still qualify for the vouchers. Currently, titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are still listed as part of the original Switch lineup.

Thanks to backward compatibility, you can still play all voucher-eligible games on the Switch 2, but don’t expect new titles to be on sale through the vouchers for a while.