Marvel vs Capcom Collection physical Switch edition is a code in a box in Europe, Capcom confirms

The European physical release of Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics on Switch will be a code in a box, Capcom has confirmed to VGC.

A tweet posted on the official Capcom Europe account on X last week stated that the Switch version is a code in a box whereas the PlayStation 4 version will have a disc.

“Out now for digital on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Steam,” the message read. “Switch (code in box) and PS4 (disc in box) physical on Nov 22. Check your local store for details, offers may vary.”

The message led some to assume that Europe would be the only region getting a code in a box, because there had been no suggestion that this was the case in North America or Japan.

VGC reached out to Capcom for clarification, and we now have official confirmation on the situation.

The publisher has officially confirmed to VGC that the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) physical edition of the game on Switch will be a code in a box, whereas the North American and Japanese releases will contain a cartridge in a box.

The news will be a disappointment to players in Europe who like to own physical copies of their games, with the knowledge that at some point in the distant future the Switch eShop will eventually close down like the Wii, 3DS and Wii U digital stores before it.

The region-free nature of the Switch does mean that players in Europe will be able to import the North American or Japanese release and play it on their system with no issues, though doing so will almost certainly cost more than buying a copy locally.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection consists of seven Capcom arcade collaborations with Marvel – X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, X-Men vs Street Fighter, Marvel Super Heroes vs Street Fighter, Marvel vs Capcom, Marvel vs Capcom 2 and The Punisher – with the latter getting a home port for the first time.

VGC’s Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection review calls the compilation “a must-have for fans of the series”.

“Marvel vs Capcom 2 in particular is an all-time classic, and the return of The Punisher after 31 years will be a point of celebration for beat ’em up fans,” we wrote. “It may lack in gloss but it’s packed with gameplay.”