It Takes Two Switch 2 Free Upgrade Lets Players Sell Their Cartridges – Here's How

 

It Takes Two Switch 2 upgrade shown

Owners of the original Switch version can now upgrade to the enhanced Switch 2 edition at no cost. However, a loophole discovered by the community means players can effectively convert their physical copy into a digital one and then sell the cartridge.

The recent release of It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch 2 has brought a wave of next-gen improvements, but it's also introduced an intriguing workaround for physical game owners. According to a report by Notebookcheck, the free upgrade process for the game is not only generous but also surprisingly flexible regarding physical media.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Loophole

Community members, including Reddit user Artoo2814, have shared a method that allows players to claim the free digital Switch 2 upgrade and then use the game without the cartridge inserted. As detailed in a Reddit thread on the r/NintendoSwitch2 subreddit, the process requires a specific sequence of steps.

  1. First, ensure your original Switch version of It Takes Two is updated to version 1.04.
  2. Launch the game and select "Play Online" to connect to EA's servers.
  3. On the Nintendo Account information screen, select "Cancel." This action will deliberately trigger the error code 401-2710.
  4. After the error appears, press the Y button and then specify the correct account to unlock the free eShop download for the Switch 2 version.

Once the digital installation for the Switch 2 edition is complete, the game can be launched without the physical cartridge in the console. This has quickly turned the physical version of It Takes Two into an attractive prospect for bargain hunters and library users, as the cartridge can be resold or lent out while the buyer or borrower retains a permanent digital copy of the upgraded game.

A History of Shareable Gameplay

This discovery is just the latest way It Takes Two has proven to be one of the most consumer-friendly titles on the market. Even before this upgrade loophole, the game offered the Friend's Pass, allowing a friend to join a full playthrough for free. On the Switch 2, the GameShare feature further extends this generosity by allowing players on the original Switch to join in on the action. The game is fundamentally built around couch co-op and split-screen collaboration, making it an ideal title to share.

Technical Improvements and Considerations

The Switch 2 upgrade itself brings significant technical enhancements over the original release. For the $39.99 price of the standalone game, players get:

  • Resolution: 1080p in docked mode.
  • Frame Rate: A boost to a smooth 60 fps.
  • Visuals: Enhanced lighting and shadow effects.

However, players should be aware that these improvements come with a trade-off. The digital installation of the Switch 2 version consumes approximately 40 GB of storage space. Given the high cost of expandable storage on the Switch 2, users may want to manage their console's memory carefully.

It's also worth noting that while the loophole currently works, EA could potentially patch it in a future update to require a cartridge check. Therefore, while the prospect of a free digital copy is tempting, holding onto the physical media might be a safer bet for the long term. For now, though, it remains a clever way for savvy players to get the best of both worlds.

It Takes Two Switch 2 version out now in some regions. Free for owner of the Switch 1 version Digital or Physical.
by u/Artoo2814 in NintendoSwitch2