One of the Best Games of 2024 (And All Time) Has Officially Been Released for Nintendo Switch 2

A critically acclaimed game, Balatro, has unexpectedly launched on the Nintendo Switch 2. Existing owners of the game on the original Nintendo Switch can upgrade to the new version for free, and the update includes some fresh features for players.

Released on February 20, 2024, Balatro is a highly addictive card game where you build a deck and play like a roguelike. Players collect Joker cards to boost their scores, especially as the game gets harder. Once you’re comfortable, you can even use custom seeds to try different runs. Since launch, Balatro has collaborated with other popular games like The Witcher 3, Shovel Knight, and Vampire Survivors by adding themed card skins through free updates. In 2024, Balatro received numerous awards and was even nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards.

Balatro Has Arrived On Switch 2

Switch 2 owners can now enjoy the popular roguelike game Balatro thanks to a new release on the Nintendo eShop. The game is available for a limited time at a special price of $11.99. If you already own Balatro on the original Switch, you can get the Switch 2 version for free. This new version includes improvements like smoother gameplay at 60 frames per second, enhanced HD Rumble 2 feedback, and a Mouse Mode that lets you quickly select cards using the Joy-Con 2 controllers. The original Switch version was limited to 30 FPS. However, there’s a catch: progress made in the original Balatro game won’t transfer over to the Switch 2 version, and it’s currently unknown if a solution for this will be available.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Balatro takes up 123 MB of space, which is a bit less than the 179 MB needed for the original Switch version. Developer LocalThunk announced the launch on Nintendo’s new console alongside an update on the game’s ongoing development. To celebrate the game’s second anniversary, LocalThunk shared that they are still working on the popular version 1.1 update. While there’s no specific release date for version 1.1, LocalThunk has said it will be released “when it’s done” and hasn’t provided any further details.

Switch 2 Users Have Plenty of New Games To Check Out

Nintendo had a packed week, with the release of Balatro on the Switch 2 and several other big events. This Friday, February 27th, brings the launch of Resident Evil Requiem to current gaming systems, including the Switch 2. This new installment in the popular Resident Evil series follows the stories of Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy. February 27th also marks the 30th anniversary of Pokemon, and The Pokemon Company will celebrate with a Pokemon Presents broadcast at 9:00 AM Eastern time. The presentation is expected to last about 25 minutes.

In addition to several games launching at the end of February, the Switch 2 will see seven more titles released throughout March. Players can look forward to games like Pokemon Pokopia, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park, ensuring a robust library of Switch 2 games. It remains to be seen how well the Switch 2 version of Balatro will perform.

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2026-02-26 03:04