Nintendo fans are eagerly awaiting the Switch 2, and recent leaks have revealed the file sizes for several upcoming games. Mario Kart World tops the list at 23.4GB, while Donkey Kong Bananza comes in at 10GB. Other titles are surprisingly manageable, with Super Mario Party Jamboree at 7.7GB, Kirby and the Forgotten Land at 5.7GB, and the GameCube Nintendo Classics collection at just 3.5GB.
These file sizes suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 will be more storage-efficient than many current-gen consoles, where games routinely exceed 50GB. This efficiency is good news for players concerned about filling up their system’s internal storage too quickly. While Mario Kart World’s size indicates the Switch 2 will support more detailed graphics and larger game worlds, Nintendo appears to maintain its tradition of optimized file sizes.
The modest storage requirements for these first-party titles will likely mean players can store more games on their system before needing additional storage through SD Express cards. This approach aligns with Nintendo’s philosophy of accessibility, ensuring players spend more time enjoying games and less time managing storage space.
How Big Are Nintendo Switch 2 Game File Sizes?
With the Nintendo Switch 2 finally revealed, fans are digging into every detail — and one of the most practical concerns centers around storage. Specifically: how large are the games? File sizes for first-party titles are surprisingly modest, especially when you consider the system’s 256GB of internal storage. Below is a breakdown of the known sizes for some of Nintendo’s biggest upcoming games.
Nintendo Switch 2 First-Party Game File Sizes
| Game Title | File Size |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | 23.4 GB |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | 10 GB |
| Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV | 7.7 GB |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World | 5.7 GB |
| Nintendo Classics: GameCube App | 3.5 GB |
These numbers are especially noteworthy when compared to the massive file sizes seen on other platforms. Many PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series titles exceed 50GB — sometimes even 100GB — and that’s just for a base install. In contrast, Nintendo’s approach continues to favor highly compressed, well-optimized games that don’t demand massive storage budgets.
Why the Smaller File Sizes?
Nintendo has long prioritized efficiency in both hardware and software. Their in-house compression tools, combined with a tendency to avoid ultra high-resolution textures or cinematic assets, result in smaller files that still deliver great performance. Additionally, first-party games tend to use stylized visuals, which are generally less storage-intensive than photorealistic rendering.
And let’s not forget Nintendo’s own development philosophy. Games are made to load quickly, perform smoothly, and appeal to a broad range of users. That means making smart decisions early in development to keep game footprints manageable.
Will Storage Be a Problem?
Not likely — at least not for first-party content. With titles like Kirby and Mario Party coming in well under 10GB, most players will be able to store a solid collection before needing to expand storage. And for those who want more room, Nintendo Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards, which offer dramatically faster speeds and larger capacities than the previous Switch supported.
If third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty do arrive on the platform — and early developer kits suggest they might — expect those titles to push the boundaries more. Some early reports indicate that games like Cyberpunk could require 64GB or more. But for Nintendo’s own lineup, space shouldn’t be a problem out of the gate.
Game-Key Cards: A New Twist
One important change worth mentioning: not every physical game will include the entire game on the cartridge. Nintendo is introducing a new format called a game-key card, which contains a license to download the game rather than the game itself. That means even if you buy a game at retail, you may still need to download it before you can play. It’s a move that could help keep costs down on physical production, especially for larger third-party games, but it’s something consumers will want to keep in mind when managing their storage.
Final Word on First-Party Game Sizes
Nintendo seems to be hitting a sweet spot: offering more power and modern capabilities with the Switch 2, while still staying true to their roots of compact, efficient game design. For those coming from the original Switch, the jump in quality won’t come with a punishing increase in download sizes — at least for Nintendo’s own titles. And that’s good news for anyone who doesn’t want to immediately start buying extra storage cards on day one.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 game sizes range from 3.5GB to 23.4GB, significantly smaller than typical current-gen console games.
- Mario Kart World represents the largest file size at 23.4GB, suggesting enhanced graphics and expanded gameplay features.
- Most first-party titles require less than 10GB of storage, making efficient use of the system’s internal storage capacity.
Nintendo Switch 2 Overview
The Nintendo Switch 2 represents the next generation of Nintendo’s popular hybrid console, featuring significant upgrades in storage capacity and game handling. The new system balances increased technical capabilities with Nintendo’s signature approach to accessible gaming.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor while introducing several key improvements. Most notably, the console comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch’s 32GB. This increased capacity addresses one of the biggest pain points of the first-generation device.
Nintendo has designed the system to handle larger game files while maintaining the portable hybrid format that made the original so popular. Based on early game size information, players can expect to store approximately 10-12 major titles on the internal storage alone.
The console continues Nintendo’s tradition of balancing performance with accessibility, focusing on gameplay innovation rather than purely technical specifications.
Advancements in Storage Technology
The Switch 2’s storage technology represents a significant leap forward for Nintendo hardware. Beyond the increased internal storage, the system supports the newer SD Express Card format, specifically MicroSD Express Cards.
These cards offer substantially faster read/write speeds than the standard MicroSD cards used in the original Switch. This improvement reduces load times and allows for smoother gameplay with larger game files.
Game sizes for the Switch 2 appear well-optimized. Mario Kart World tops the list at 23.4GB, while other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza (10GB) and the GameCube Nintendo Classics app (3.5GB) require less space.
The storage advancements help Nintendo compete more effectively while maintaining their focus on gameplay rather than raw technical specifications.
Game File Size Analysis
The Nintendo Switch 2’s game sizes show impressive optimization across different titles, with file sizes ranging from just 3.5GB for classics to 23.4GB for premium racing experiences.
Mario Kart World and Storage Requirements
Mario Kart World stands as the largest title in the lineup at 23.4GB. This substantial size likely reflects the game’s advanced graphics, extensive track selection, and robust online features.
For players with limited storage, this single game would consume nearly a quarter of a standard 128GB SD card. The larger file size suggests high-resolution textures and possibly uncompressed audio to deliver the premium racing experience fans expect.
Players should consider their storage solutions carefully when purchasing this title. External SD cards or the console’s internal storage will need proper management to accommodate Mario Kart World alongside other games in a digital library.
Donkey Kong Bananza: Compact Gaming Experience
At just 10GB, Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a full-featured adventure while maintaining a relatively modest file size. This optimization demonstrates Nintendo’s skill at balancing graphical fidelity with efficient storage usage.
The smaller footprint might be attributed to:
- Efficient texture compression
- Streamlined level design
- Reuse of certain assets across different game sections
This compact size makes Donkey Kong Bananza an attractive option for players concerned about storage limitations. The game proves that exciting gameplay doesn’t necessarily require massive file sizes, following Nintendo’s tradition of optimization over raw graphical power.
Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby’s Expanded Adventures
Super Mario Party Jamboree with its Jamboree TV component comes in at a surprisingly slim 7.7GB, while Kirby and the Forgotten Land with the Star Crossed World expansion requires only 5.7GB.
These modest file sizes are particularly impressive considering both titles include significant additional content. The Super Mario Party Jamboree package likely benefits from efficient minigame design and shared assets across different boards and modes.
Kirby’s adventure demonstrates even greater compression efficiency. Despite offering two complete experiences (the base game and Star Crossed World expansion), it maintains a small footprint through:
- Clever texture work
- Optimized level designs
- Efficient audio compression
Both titles show that expanded content doesn’t necessarily mean expanded storage requirements.
Managing Larger Game Titles
While most first-party Nintendo Switch 2 titles appear to have manageable file sizes, some games will require more storage space. The largest announced game so far is Mario Kart World at 23.4GB, which could impact players with limited storage.
The Role of Compression in Nintendo Games
Nintendo has historically excelled at efficient game compression techniques. Their developers optimize assets to maintain visual quality while minimizing file sizes, which explains why many Switch 2 titles remain under 10GB despite graphical improvements.
For example, Donkey Kong Bananza requires only 10GB of storage, even with its detailed jungle environments and character animations. Nintendo’s compression approach differs significantly from other publishers who often prioritize raw visual fidelity at the expense of file size.
This efficiency likely comes from Nintendo’s experience developing games with hardware limitations. Their focus on stylized art rather than photorealistic graphics also helps keep file sizes manageable compared to titles like Cyberpunk 2077, which requires over 70GB on other platforms.
Extra Storage Solutions for Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 is expected to come with 256GB of internal storage, which should accommodate several first-party titles. For players who need more space, expanded storage options will be essential.
Nintendo will likely support microSD cards similar to the original Switch, allowing for affordable storage expansion. High-speed UHS-I cards are recommended for optimal performance when loading larger games.
Digital-only players might consider investing in 512GB or 1TB microSD cards to avoid frequently deleting and redownloading games. The Nintendo Store will offer cloud saves for compatible games, helping to manage local storage.
Some users on Resetera forums have noted that the relatively small sizes of first-party games means the 256GB internal storage should be sufficient for most casual players during the early life of the console.
Benchmarking Against Other Titles
Compared to other modern gaming platforms, the Switch 2’s game sizes appear remarkably efficient. While Mario Kart World’s 23.4GB isn’t small, it pales in comparison to contemporary racing games on other platforms that often exceed 50GB.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was approximately 16GB on the original Switch. If a potential Switch 2 version or sequel follows similar optimization patterns, it could remain under 30GB despite significant graphical improvements.
Third-party AAA titles will likely be the largest games on the system. Publishers may need to make compromises when porting games to the Switch 2, potentially reducing texture quality or audio fidelity to maintain reasonable file sizes.
For reference, most PS5 and Xbox Series X games range from 40GB to over 100GB, making Nintendo’s approach to game size management particularly appealing for storage-conscious gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo Switch 2 game sizes vary significantly between releases. Understanding storage requirements can help players plan their digital game library effectively and avoid running out of space unexpectedly.
What are the storage requirements for the top Nintendo Switch 2 games?
The storage requirements for Nintendo Switch 2 games range from 3.5GB to 23.4GB for the titles revealed so far. Mario Kart World is the largest at 23.4GB, while Donkey Kong Bananza requires 10GB.
Super Mario Party Jamboree (including Jamboree TV) needs 7.7GB. Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition with Star Crossed World takes up 5.7GB of space.
The smallest revealed game is the GameCube Nintendo Classics app at only 3.5GB.
How much space will I need to install Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2?
Mario Kart World requires 23.4GB of free storage space on the Nintendo Switch 2. This makes it the largest game announced for the system so far.
Players should ensure they have at least 24GB available to account for potential updates or additional content that may be released after the initial download.
What is the file size for Donkey Kong Bananza on the new Nintendo console?
Donkey Kong Bananza has a file size of 10GB on the Nintendo Switch 2. This places it in the mid-range of game sizes currently announced for the system.
The 10GB requirement is less than half the size of Mario Kart World but still represents a substantial download.
Can you list the download sizes for the latest Nintendo Switch 2 game releases?
The current known Nintendo Switch 2 game download sizes are:
- Mario Kart World: 23.4GB
- Donkey Kong Bananza: 10GB
- Super Mario Party Jamboree (with Jamboree TV): 7.7GB
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition (with Star Crossed World): 5.7GB
- GameCube Nintendo Classics app: 3.5GB
These sizes were revealed through the Japanese Nintendo eShop.
Are there any storage expansion options for Nintendo Switch 2 to accommodate larger game sizes?
The Nintendo Switch 2 will likely support microSD card expansion similar to the original Switch. This would allow players to easily increase their storage capacity.
Official details about maximum supported card sizes haven’t been confirmed yet. The original Switch supports cards up to 2TB, though such high-capacity cards aren’t widely available.
Nintendo may also offer larger internal storage options at different price points, but this remains to be confirmed.
Will Super Mario Party Jamboree for Nintendo Switch 2 require additional space for the Jamboree TV feature?
Super Mario Party Jamboree including the Jamboree TV feature requires a total of 7.7GB. This combined file size already includes all necessary data for both the main game and the Jamboree TV functionality.
Players won’t need to allocate additional space beyond the 7.7GB for the Jamboree TV feature. Everything is included in the single download.
