Just So You Know, Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridges Will Still Taste Bitter

If you were around during the launch of the original Nintendo Switch nearly nine years ago, you might remember one of the internet’s strangest trends at the time — gamers and content creators alike putting Switch game cartridges in their mouths out of sheer curiosity. This odd phenomenon stemmed from reports that Nintendo had deliberately coated the cartridges with a bitter substance to prevent accidental ingestion, particularly by children. Well, that approach has not changed. Nintendo has confirmed that the same approach will continue with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

In an interview with GameSpot, Nintendo officially confirmed that Switch 2 cartridges will retain the same bitter taste as those from the original system. The company reiterated that the goal remains unchanged: discouraging people, especially young children, from putting carts in their mouths. The taste is designed to be unpleasant enough that anyone who tries will want to spit it out immediately.

“We don’t want anybody to be at risk of any unwanted consumption. We have indeed made it so that if it enters your mouth, you’ll spit it out,” explained senior director Takuhiro Dohta.

However, Nintendo stopped short of confirming whether the same chemical compound, denatonium benzoate, which is one of the most bitter substances known to humans, will be used again. What they did confirm is that whatever coating is applied, it will be completely safe and non-toxic.

In a particularly amusing detail, Nintendo executive Kouichi Kawamoto revealed in the same interview that he personally tested the bitter coating on the original Switch cartridges during the development phase. The experience left him traumatised, and he admitted to being genuinely puzzled by why so many others were eager to replicate the experience.

Beyond the taste, Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges are also receiving significant technical upgrades. They will offer faster data read speeds and larger storage capacity, reportedly capable of holding up to 64 GB. This expanded capacity is enough to store full-scale games such as Cyberpunk 2077 without the need for additional downloads or installations.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, in most regions worldwide. Unfortunately, Southeast Asia will see the console launch at a later date.