NSP: This refers to a file format used by the Nintendo Switch. NSP stands for "Nintendo Submission Package" or more commonly referred to in piracy scenes as "Nintendo Switch Package". It's essentially a container format used for digital distribution of games on the Nintendo Switch, similar to how digital games are distributed on other platforms.
Update: This typically refers to patches or new versions of a game that are released after its initial launch. These updates often contain bug fixes, balance changes, new features, or enhancements to the gaming experience.
DLC (Downloadable Content): This refers to additional content that is released for a game after its initial launch. DLC can add new levels, characters, game modes, or even entirely new storylines to a game.
If you see a torrent labeled "It Takes Two – Complete Collection (Base + v1.0.2 + All DLC)", you are downloading a 7GB file just to unlock a digital mustache and a bug fix. The actual "complete" experience is the same as the $40 version on the eShop.
The only thing the NSP update provides that the official version does not? The ability to play the game entirely offline without Nintendo's servers. And for a game about connection, that is the most ironic "DLC" of all.
Report compiled via analysis of Scene RSS feeds, GBAtemp forums, and Switch firmware reverse engineering logs.
This report outlines the technical requirements for It Takes Two
on Nintendo Switch, focusing on its file structure, update requirements, and unique "Friend's Pass" downloadable content (DLC). Game Overview & File Data Full Title: It Takes Two (Nintendo Switch Edition)
Base File Size: Approximately 12.1 GB for the digital version.
Physical Requirements: The physical cartridge requires a mandatory additional download of at least 3.5 GB. Release Date: November 4, 2022. Update & DLC Structure
Friend's Pass (DLC): This is a critical "DLC" component that allows a second player to join the owner of the full game for free.
The Friend's Pass is a separate download available on the Nintendo eShop.
Save progress from the Friend's Pass version carries over if the player later purchases the full game.
Updating NSP Files: For users managing files manually (e.g., homebrew), updates are typically distributed as separate NSP files that must be installed over the base game NSP.
Tools like NSCB can be used to merge base games with updates and DLC into a single NSP. DLC must match the region of the base game to function. Co-op Gameplay Modes Requirement Couch Co-op Two Joy-Cons or two gamepad controllers on one console. Local Wireless
Two Switch consoles connected locally; requires either two copies of the game or one copy plus one free Friend’s Pass. Online Play
Both players need a Switch; one must own the full game while the other uses the Friend's Pass. Installation Troubleshooting
Current reports and support documentation for It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch indicate the following regarding updates and DLC: Update and DLC Status No Paid DLC
: There is currently no traditional paid DLC (additional levels or story content) for It Takes Two
. The game is designed as a complete standalone co-op experience. Friend's Pass : The "DLC" often associated with the game is the Friend's Pass it takes two switch nsp update dlc
, which allows a second player to join for free. This can be redownloaded from the Nintendo eShop if it is missing from your library. Latest Updates
: Performance patches and stability updates are delivered via standard software updates. You can check for these by pressing the on the game icon and selecting Software Update > Via the Internet Technical Troubleshooting for NSP/Digital Files
If you are managing digital files (NSPs) or experiencing issues with content showing up: Region Matching
: DLC and updates must match the region of the base game to function correctly. You can verify this in the game's Software Information Digital Content Missing
: If purchased content (like the Friend's Pass) isn't appearing, ensure you are logged into the correct Nintendo Account. Digital purchases are tied to the account that made the purchase and cannot be transferred. File Handling
: For users managing file backups, specific tools are required to "merge" or "update" NSPs to ensure the base game recognizes the newer update data. or finding the Friend's Pass on the eShop? Nintendo Switch NSP Combination Install Tutorial
Title: The Paradox of Play: Analyzing the Demand for It Takes Two Switch NSP Updates and DLC
Introduction
Hazelight Studios’ It Takes Two revolutionized the cooperative gaming genre by mandating a shared experience through its unique "Friend’s Pass" system. Upon its release for the Nintendo Switch in November 2022, the game was lauded as a technical marvel, proving that complex, physics-driven worlds could run on hybrid hardware. However, within the digital ecosystem of the Switch, a parallel conversation thrives regarding "NSP" (Nintendo Submission Package) files, updates, and downloadable content (DLC). This essay examines the dichotomy between the legitimate acquisition of It Takes Two updates and the underground demand for pirated NSP files, arguing that while the desire for offline preservation and cost-free access is understandable, it ultimately undermines the very cooperative spirit the game champions.
The Legitimate Landscape: Why Updates and DLC Matter for It Takes Two
On a legitimate level, updates and DLC for It Takes Two on the Switch serve critical technical and experiential functions. The base game, compressed to fit on a cartridge or as a digital download, benefits immensely from post-launch patches. These updates often address performance issues unique to the Switch, such as frame rate drops during split-screen action sequences or stability fixes for the online Friend’s Pass. Without these official updates, players experience desynchronization bugs, longer load times, and occasional crashes.
Furthermore, while It Takes Two is a complete narrative without paid story DLC (unlike many modern titles), "DLC" in the context of the Switch often refers to bonus content like digital art books, soundtracks, or cosmetic variations for the characters Cody and May. Legitimately acquiring these requires a valid Nintendo Account and an active internet connection to verify the purchase. This system ensures developers are compensated for continued support—a crucial factor given the game’s lack of microtransactions.
The Underground Appeal: NSP Files and the "Free" Update
Contrasting with the official channels is the world of NSP dumping and piracy. An NSP is essentially a digital installer file; when a user downloads an "It Takes Two NSP update" or "DLC NSP" from a warez site, they are circumventing Nintendo’s servers. The appeal is multifaceted. First, there is the financial barrier: at $40, the game is an investment, and many students or gamers in regions with weak currency seek "backup" copies.
Second, there is the issue of preservation. Switch modders argue that once Nintendo discontinues eShop support for the Switch (as it did for the 3DS and Wii U), the only way to apply critical performance updates to a physical cartridge is through locally stored NSP files. Third, the "update" NSPs often bypass the mandatory online check for the Friend’s Pass, allowing two local players to enjoy the full game on a single modded console without ever connecting to Nintendo.
The Ethical and Practical Consequences
However, the demand for pirated It Takes Two DLC and updates is uniquely self-defeating. Unlike a single-player RPG where piracy only harms the publisher, It Takes Two is a game built entirely on co-dependency. If one player uses an outdated or improperly patched NSP, they cannot connect to a friend using a legitimate, updated copy. The cooperative mechanics—the magnet guns, the time portals, the sap glider—require precise synchronization. Pirated copies often strip out the Friend’s Pass functionality entirely, reducing the game to a local-only experience.
Moreover, Hazelight Studios is not a monolithic AAA behemoth like EA or Ubisoft; it is a smaller, passionate team that relies on sales metrics to justify ports to niche hardware like the Switch. Downloading an NSP update for DLC you did not pay for directly de-incentivizes future optimization patches. If the Switch port of It Takes Two were to become unprofitable due to widespread piracy, developers would be less likely to bring future co-op titles to the platform.
Conclusion
The search for "It Takes Two Switch NSP update DLC" represents a clash between digital pragmatism and ethical consumerism. While the motivations—cost savings, offline access, and long-term preservation—are not inherently malicious, the execution undermines the very fabric of the game. It Takes Two is a narrative about communication, trust, and shared labor. Patching your Switch to run a stolen update violates that spirit, turning a cooperative masterpiece into a solitary, often broken, technical exercise. Ultimately, the best way to experience Cody and May’s journey is the way the developers intended: legally updated, fully patched, and played with a friend who has also invested in the magic. Because in a game that requires two, cutting corners only cuts the connection.
For users managing It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch (specifically in NSP format for modded systems or emulators), the game requires both a base file and a specific DLC/Update structure to function beyond the initial chapters. Core File Information Base Game Size : Approximately Required Components : To play the full game, you typically need the Latest Update/DLC "Full Game DLC" Requirement
: Many users encounter a "DLC needed to continue" prompt after the Wasp/Beaver section. This is often because the Switch version treats the later half of the game as a required supplemental download, even in legitimate versions. For NSP users, this means you must install the specific Full Game Unlock DLC file alongside the base game and updates. Recent Updates & Content (2024–2025) While Hazelight Studios has moved on to their next project, Split Fiction (expected early 2025), It Takes Two has received minor stability and promotional updates. December 2024 Update
: Added a promotional banner for Hazelight’s upcoming title, Split Fiction , to the main menu. Gameplay Adjustments : Recent patches have simplified the Octopus Boss
level, making it easier for one person to steer the boat, and fixed various de-sync issues in the pirate and bowling ball sections. Compatibility : Ensure your
(v18.0.0 or higher recommended for 2024+ updates) are current to avoid "Invalid Signature" errors when installing these updates. Friend’s Pass Functionality Friend’s Pass
is a separate free download that allows a second player to join the full adventure as long as the host owns the base game.
This report outlines the technical requirements for It Takes Two
on Nintendo Switch, focusing on the mandatory data updates and the "Friend's Pass" system. Mandatory Software Updates
Even if you own the physical cartridge, a significant additional download is required to play. Total Digital Size: Approximately 12.1 GB.
Mandatory Update: Users with a physical copy must still download at least 3.5 GB of data.
MicroSD Recommendation: Due to changing storage requirements, a microSD card is highly recommended. Friend’s Pass (DLC/Trial)
The "Friend's Pass" is a unique piece of software available as a free download from the Nintendo eShop. It allows two people to play the entire game together while only one person owns the full version. Requirement / Detail Availability Free "trial" version on the Nintendo eShop. Usage
Host (Full Version owner) invites a Player (Friend's Pass user) from the main menu. Online Play
Both players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Cross-Platform
Not supported. Both players must be on the Nintendo Switch family of systems. Save Data
Progress is saved for both players. If the "Friend's Pass" player later buys the full game, their progress carries over. Local Co-op Requirements For those playing together in the same room:
Controllers: Each player needs a pair of Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller.
Local Wireless: Supported if both players have their own Switch consoles near each other. Friend's Pass - It Takes Two For Those Unfamiliar: What are NSP, Update, and DLC
For the Nintendo Switch version of It Takes Two , it is important to note that the game does not have any paid story DLC. However, there are essential updates and a specific "Friend's Pass" system that function similarly to extra content. 🛠️ Essential Updates & Files
Latest Version: The most recent significant patch is v1.500 (as of May 2025), which is a minor update of approximately 500 MB.
Storage Requirement: The base game file size is approximately 12.1 GB.
Content Patch: Some users have reported a "DLC required" message at the end of the second chapter (The Tree). This usually refers to a mandatory free content download required to access the rest of the game after the initial tutorial section. 🎮 The "Friend's Pass"
While not traditional DLC, the Friend's Pass is a separate free download that allows a second player to join you for the entire game without purchasing it themselves. Only one player needs to own the full game.
The second player downloads the Friend's Pass from the eShop to play together online. 🚀 Tips for Installation
Stay Updated: Ensure you are on the latest system firmware (currently v22.1.0 as of April 2026) for the best performance and online stability.
Region Matching: If you are using NSPs for a modded system, ensure the update and base game regions match (e.g., both US or both EU) to avoid "Software was closed" errors.
Merge Files: If you are managing your own files, tools like Switch Army Knife (SAK) can be used to merge the base game and update into a single file to save space. Nintendo Switch NSP Combination Install Tutorial
It Takes Two on the Nintendo Switch uses a system where the base game is supplemented by mandatory updates and a unique "Friend's Pass" DLC structure to facilitate co-op play. Update & DLC Overview Mandatory Downloads
: Even for physical cartridge owners, the game requires a mandatory download of at least to function. Latest Version (as of May 2025) Version 1.500
was released as a minor patch (approx. 500 MB), primarily suspected of removing or modifying in-game advertising content. Friend's Pass
: This is a specific free DLC trial that must be installed by a second player to join a full-game owner online for free. Total File Size : The full digital version requires approximately of free space. Managing NSP, Updates, and DLC
For users on modded consoles or emulators handling NSP files, the following technical details apply: Indicator (Typically) The core game engine and initial assets.
Contains bug fixes, performance improvements, and mandatory assets. Unlocks additional content or, in this case, the Friend's Pass functionality. Technical Implementation Tips
This article explains how updates and DLC for It Takes Two on Nintendo Switch (NSP/NSZ formats and official eShop workflows) work, what to expect, and practical steps and precautions for players. It’s written for players who want a deep, structured view of how game updates and additional content are delivered, installed, and managed on Nintendo Switch systems and through NSP files used by homebrew scenes. If you only want official methods (eShop and physical cartridge), skip sections about NSP/NSZ and homebrew.
It Takes Two, the 2021 Game of the Year, landed on the Nintendo Switch on November 4, 2022. For a console known for hardware limitations, the port by TurnMeUp Games was a technical marvel. However, within the underground scene of "scene releases" and homebrew enthusiasts, a specific query has become a hot topic: "It Takes Two Switch NSP Update DLC."
This report dissects what that phrase actually means, revealing a curious case of a game that has no major paid DLC, yet requires specific update files to function—leading to confusion, misinformation, and a unique technical hurdle for firmware-modded Switch users.
If you're looking to update "It Takes Two" on the Nintendo Switch, or add DLC, here are some general steps you can follow. Keep in mind that official channels are always recommended over NSP files for safety and support: NSP : This refers to a file format
Via Nintendo eShop:
DLC: