Nintendo Switch 2 players have discovered a clever way to claim the award-winning game It Takes Two for free, and it’s not the first time a trick like this has surfaced on Nintendo’s hybrid console recently.
Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed co-op adventure about a married couple turned into dolls who must work together to overcome puzzles and repair their fractured relationship. The game originally released in 2021, won Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and came to Nintendo Switch in 2022. Now it’s available on Switch 2, and players have found a workaround to get it without paying.
How the Trick Works
The method requires borrowing a physical copy of the original Switch 1 version of It Takes Two from a friend, family member, or even a public library. Once you have the cartridge, the process is straightforward. Insert the Switch 1 cartridge into your Switch 2 and launch the game. From the main menu, select “Play Online” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up or link an EA account. After attempting to connect to EA servers, return to the main menu and press the ‘Y’ button to open the Nintendo eShop through the game. You should then see an offer for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of It Takes Two. Make sure you’re signed into the correct Nintendo account and claim the free game to download it.
According to players who have tried it, once the free version is claimed, the physical cartridge is no longer needed. The game essentially acts like a digital purchase from the eShop.
A Workaround, Not a Loophole for Everyone
It’s important to note that this workaround is for an issue affecting physical-copy upgrades, rather than a way for everyone to get the game for free. The developers have acknowledged the issue and confirmed the workaround while they work on a fix. So while it’s a freebie for an award-winning game if you can borrow a copy, it’s not a permanent exploit.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered Also Affected
This isn’t the only game with a similar situation. On September 29, 2026, CD Projekt Red released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Remastered on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. For those who already owned the game on a qualifying platform, the remaster is available as a free upgrade, including owners of the original Nintendo Switch version.
CD Projekt Red also made a consumer-friendly decision by allowing players to claim a separate digital version of the game after using their original physical copy to access the upgrade. This means you no longer need the cartridge once the remastered game has been claimed and downloaded to your Switch 2. In theory, that also means you could borrow a physical copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, claim the free digital upgrade, and continue playing without needing the cartridge.
Also, Read
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- GTA 6 Outclassed by 95% Positive Indie; Collector’s Edition Confirms Physical Copy and Free ‘Buddy Code’
- Why GTA 6 Took 12 Years – Take Two Boss Explains the Wait & Trailer 2 Update
A Welcome Gesture From Developers
While these workarounds are born from technical issues, they represent a welcome gesture from developers who are willing to let players access upgraded versions without unnecessary barriers. For Switch 2 owners looking to expand their library without spending extra, borrowing a friend’s copy might be all it takes.
As always, it’s worth keeping an eye on official channels for any updates or fixes to these upgrade paths. For now, the trick is a legitimate way to claim two of the most acclaimed games on the platform.