CIVILIZATION VII

What's new in Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, coming June 5!

Est. Read Time4 minutes, 31 seconds

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will be available on June 5, and Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be a same-day launch title! Here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know about Civ VII on Nintendo Switch 2 so you can build something you believe in on the go or at home!

Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is developed by Behaviour Interactive in collaboration with Firaxis Games. This allows the Firaxis team to stay focused on developing the ongoing free updates and improvements to Civilization VII across all platforms, which continue to be our top priority; you can read the latest Game Update Notes here

How can I get Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

If you already own Civilization VII for Nintendo Switch**, you can upgrade with Sid Meier's Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack priced at $9.99*, which is now available for pre-order!

New players can purchase Sid Meier's Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition starting on June 5 for $69.99*, which contains content equivalent to the Standard Edition of Civilization VII on other platforms. To get the contents from Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, you have three options:

  • If you don't own Civilization VII yet, you can buy Civilization VII Deluxe Edition for the original Nintendo Switch, plus the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack to unlock the game and all the Deluxe Edition content on Nintendo Switch 2. 
  • If you already own Civilization VII Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch, purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack will bring all your Deluxe Edition content to Nintendo Switch 2. 
  • If you already own Civilization VII Standard Edition on Nintendo Switch and want to upgrade to Deluxe Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, you should purchase the Sid Meier's Civilization VII Standard to Deluxe Edition Upgrade for Nintendo Switch, plus the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack so you can get all the Deluxe Edition content on Nintendo Switch 2.

What's new in Civilization VII - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Here's a high-level overview of the added functionality*** of Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition compared to the original Nintendo Switch version:

  • New Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
  • GameChat support
  • Supports all map sizes & up to 8 players in multiplayer in the Modern Age
  • Improved graphical fidelity
  • Improved performance
  • Up to 4K resolution at 30 fps / up to 1080p at 60 fps gameplay with Nintendo Switch 2 Dock connected to a compatible TV

Being able to use your Joy-Con 2 as a mouse makes managing your empire a breeze, whether you're sliding it across a flat surface or your lap. When the Nintendo Switch 2 is undocked for on-the-go play, you can enjoy 1080p visuals in Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition compared to the undocked resolution of 720p on Nintendo Switch. 

Graphically, Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has greatly increased geometric detail and texture quality compared to the Nintendo Switch, and renders with a significantly higher-fidelity lighting algorithm. You can even zoom in your view of the map slightly closer on the Nintendo Switch 2 compared to the original Switch to better appreciate the sharper details!

Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports cross-play multiplayer with other platforms, with increased player counts in each Age compared to the original Switch version!***

Can I play my copy of Civ VII for Switch on the Switch 2?

Yes, but playing the original Switch version of Civilization VII on Switch 2 will not unlock the Switch 2 features listed above, including Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and improved graphical fidelity, unless you purchase the Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack.

Will my existing Civ VII save data carry over if I get the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

Yes! If you've already played Civilization VII on the original Switch, your save states and game progression – including Legacy Path progress, unlocked Mementos, and earned Player Card customizations – will carry over if you upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Same goes for any DLC content you own on Nintendo Switch; you'll have access to all the same content on Nintendo Switch 2.

If you've been playing Civilization VII on PC or other consoles, you can easily bring your progression to Switch 2 – simply link your 2K Account to all the platforms where you play Civilization VII to activate cross-progression!

If you have other questions, be sure to check out our Nintendo Switch 2-specific answers on the Civilization VII FAQ page. We hope you enjoy your journey through the Ages with Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition!

*Pricing and availability may vary by region and retailer and are subject to retailers’ own terms. See retailers’ site for specific details and terms.

**Sid Meier's Civilization® VII on Nintendo Switch is compatible with, and can be played on, Nintendo Switch 2, but will not feature the added functionality listed above without purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack.

***Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection, Nintendo Account, and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Online play requires a separate paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Terms and GameChat requirements apply.