Balatro Arrives With Free Upgrade For Nintendo Switch 2 Version Today

The history of Balatro is an enigma in how fast the title became a hit. In 2024, it did not take long for the game to ship and already exceed more than two million sales by August. Moving into December later that holiday, Balatro was nominated for Game of the Year alongside titles like Black Myth: Wukong, Metaphor: ReFantazio,and Astro Bot.

Additionally, the game became a featured ID@Xbox title which ensured passage onto the platform. By May later that spring, Balatro was featured on Xbox Game Pass. And entering later that summer for Prime Day, physical versions for Balatro were on sale as low as $20; a deal worth jumping on if you were paying attention at the time.

Now in 2026, Balatro is moving to yet another platform: Nintendo Switch 2. On Wednesday, developer Local Thunk revealed that the newest version is now available on the Nintendo eShop. What’s more, the game is a free upgrade for owners of the original version. But, that save data is not compatible for transfer. “Be aware that your save game does not carry over.”

The official synopsis of the Nintendo eShop reads: “Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.

“Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory.”

Are you planning to get Balatro for Nintendo Switch 2?

Balatro is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, iOS, and PC.