Bethesda Ships Physical Version Fallout 4 & Skyrim For Nintendo Switch 2, But No Cart In The Box

For almost a year now, the conversation behind preservation for Nintendo Switch 2 has been a growing concern. The introduction of Game-Key Cards been the start of many talking points since then. The matter goes as far as also withholding the system’s library from being historically archived through the National Diet Library in Japan as a result.

But, there have been plenty of reassuring signs amid the controversy. Many first-party titles still embrace full, on-cart releases. One marvel of the ongoing dissension comes from Bethesda with MachineGames’ Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game is launching for Nintendo Switch 2 – completely on the cartridge. And with both Fallout 4 as well as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Anniversary Editions on the way too could be an easy feat for the publisher.

Well, that is not the case now with the games available on store shelves. Recently, Bethesda launched both Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition & The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition and the two physical versions only come accompanied with a code in the box.

Although the 2024 juggernaut release from Wolfenstein developer managed to find workarounds for releasing a fully physical version, the same cannot be said for the two titles over a decade old. It is also expected that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 port for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will also fall into the same boat as well; going against the limited run release for Xbox & PlayStation.

But, it is likely the story will not end there either. Elsewhere, it was revealed that Starfield is also being prepared for release on the Nintendo eShop as well. In Taiwan, the game was found on a ratings board online. So if a physical copy is to surface, the likeliness it launches in the same form as its siblings is certainly up there. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by this decision by Bethesda?

Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition & The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition are out now for Xbox One,  Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.