Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection for Switch Lacks MK4 on Cartridge, Requires Download

Purchasers of the physical edition of Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 were recently met with an unexpected revelation. Contrary to expectations, the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 4, a key component of the collection, is not directly pre-loaded onto the game cartridge itself, necessitating a separate download.

This situation was officially acknowledged by Digital Eclipse, the collection's developer, through various statements on social media. They clarified that the Nintendo Switch version's build had to be finalized and submitted for production significantly ahead of its release date. At that time, Mortal Kombat 4 was still undergoing development and was not yet in a ready state for inclusion on the physical media. As a result, the game was made available as supplementary downloadable content. This issue appears to be exclusive to the Nintendo platforms; in contrast, the physical release for PlayStation 5 includes every game in the collection directly on the disc.

The official Atari website, where physical copies of the Legacy Kollection are sold, has since been updated to reflect this information. A notice now informs Nintendo Switch users that connecting their console to the Nintendo store is required to download post-release patches, which include Mortal Kombat 4 and performance enhancements. This means that even with the physical cartridge, a day-one update is essential to access the complete game experience. Digital Eclipse has also indicated that if any future reprints of the Switch cartridge occur, Mortal Kombat 4 is expected to be integrated onto the physical media. Updates regarding this situation will be provided as new developments emerge, highlighting the ongoing evolution of game distribution methods and the challenges associated with physical media releases in the digital age.

This situation underscores the evolving landscape of video game distribution, where digital downloads frequently complement or even supersede physical media. It highlights the importance of clear communication from developers and publishers regarding game content and availability, ensuring that consumers are fully informed about what they are purchasing. The commitment to integrate the missing content in future physical reprints demonstrates a responsiveness to player feedback, aiming to deliver a complete and satisfying gaming experience.