Nintendo Switch 2: Some Game Cards to Feature Download Keys Only

Nintendo has unveiled that the new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards might not always include a full game but could instead contain a key for downloading the game. In a recent customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning, the company detailed its evolving strategy for physical game cartridges. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, gamers can continue to buy physical Switch games as they have for the past eight years, but there are important details to consider.

The post elaborates on the introduction of game-key cards—physical cards that only contain a key to download the game. This means that the card you insert into your Switch 2 won't have the actual game data on it; you'll need to download the game after inserting the card. To ensure clarity, every game-key card case will be clearly labeled on the lower front portion of the box, giving consumers a heads-up about what they are buying.

The news of Nintendo utilizing these game-key cards for the Switch 2 has stirred discussions among fans of physical gaming, who value the straightforward plug-and-play experience without needing an internet connection for downloads. There's a concern that these key cards could eventually replace all standard game cartridges, but there's currently little evidence to support this fear.

Social media has been abuzz with observations that while some Switch 2 game covers, such as those for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, include the game-key card disclaimer, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. It seems the game-key card approach may be limited to larger games that could benefit from the key system, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has already confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card at the Switch 2's launch.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the capabilities of the new technology in its upgraded red game cards, boasting faster data reading speeds compared to the original 2017 hybrid console. This emphasis on performance suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously blurred the lines of what a game card can offer, as seen with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.

It's still unclear how many Switch 2 games will use game-key cards, but more details will likely emerge as the launch date approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to hit the market on June 5, 2025. For a comprehensive rundown of everything unveiled during the Direct, click here. To explore the new technology features of Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.