It Takes Two Switch 2 Free Upgrade Lets Some Players Run the Game Without the Cartridge
The It Takes Two upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 is turning into more than just a visual and performance boost. Players who own the original Switch version have discovered that once the free Switch 2 upgrade is installed, the game can reportedly launch without needing the physical cartridge inserted.
That discovery has quickly made the co-op adventure a hot topic among Nintendo fans, especially those looking for a cheaper way to enjoy one of the best two-player games available on the platform. According to player reports, a physical copy of the original Switch release can be used to activate the free upgrade, after which the upgraded Switch 2 version runs as a digital installation.
For now, this means some players are borrowing or buying used copies of It Takes Two to access the upgraded version at a lower cost. However, there is no guarantee this behavior will remain unchanged. EA could potentially update the game later to require cartridge verification, so keeping the physical copy may still be the safer option.
The free Switch 2 upgrade is available to owners of It Takes Two on the original Nintendo Switch. Players have shared that the upgrade process involves updating the original game, connecting through the game’s online menu, and then claiming the Switch 2 version through the eShop using the correct Nintendo Account.
Once installed, the Switch 2 version offers several meaningful improvements. In docked mode, the game now supports up to 1080p resolution, while performance has been increased to 60 frames per second. The upgrade also brings improved lighting and shadow effects, making the already colorful co-op platformer look smoother and more polished on Nintendo’s newer hardware.
It Takes Two has always been designed around sharing. The game’s Friend’s Pass allows one owner to invite another player to experience the full campaign without requiring a second purchase. On Switch 2, GameShare support also makes it easier for players on the original Switch to join in. Local split-screen co-op remains available as well, making it a strong choice for couples, friends, and families who want a story-driven multiplayer experience.
The new upgrade does come with one major drawback: storage space. After installing the Switch 2 version, the game takes up around 40 GB, which is a sizable chunk of the console’s available storage. Players who prefer keeping many games installed at once may need to manage space carefully or invest in extra storage.
Standalone physical and digital editions of It Takes Two for Switch 2 are also available, priced at $39.99. For players who already own the original Switch version, though, the free upgrade remains the most attractive option, especially with the added benefit of improved visuals, smoother performance, and more flexible ways to play.
For now, It Takes Two on Switch 2 is not only one of the best co-op games on the system but also one of the most shareable. Whether this cartridge-free upgrade behavior stays in place is uncertain, but it has certainly given Nintendo players another reason to revisit the award-winning adventure.
