Switch 2 Key Cards to Enable Richer Games, Nintendo Says

Nintendo's new Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 have certainly generated passionate discussion. Last month, when Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it confirmed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards won’t always include a full game, instead containing a key to download it. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games come with both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical products that only hold a download key for your selected game. This means there is no actual game data on the card you slot into your Switch 2; you must download the game after insertion. Each Game-Key Card box is clearly labeled at the bottom of the front, giving you a heads-up about what you’re buying.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster display this game-key card disclaimer. Others, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not. The massive Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a physical cartridge.

Reaction to Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards has been strong, including from Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick, who remarked, "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope a company of that size, with such a rich history, would prioritize preservation more."

During an interview about the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser if physical media would remain a major part of Nintendo’s business or if Game-Key Cards represent the future.

“For the immediate future, physical games remain a key part of our business,” Bowser responded. “We highly value our retail partnerships and want to ensure they have products to sell to their customers.”

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Bowser further explained Nintendo’s goals with Game-Key Cards, suggesting they help third-party publishers bring more ambitious titles to the Switch 2.

“Looking at Game-Key Cards, our objective with Nintendo Switch 2—much like what we achieved with the original Switch—is to offer the broadest and deepest library of content possible,” Bowser stated.

“That includes our publishing partners. Game-Key Cards are one way our partners can deliver more—and larger, more immersive—content to the platform.”

CD Projekt confirmed it used the highest capacity Switch 2 cartridge (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, noting that 64 GB is the maximum size for all Switch 2 game cards. However, Nintendo’s own first-party titles have notably smaller file sizes.

Nintendo Switch 2 game storage sizes:

: 23.4 GBDonkey Kong Bananza: 10 GBNintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GBSuper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GBKirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB

Almost all announced third-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical games are Game-Key Cards. As Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted, this focus may put immense strain on the eShop around the Switch 2’s June launch as players rush to download games.

“Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (cost increases with each GB),” Ahmad added, explaining publisher reasoning.

“It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games and lower capacity cards yield higher publisher margins. Digital sales already represent the majority.”

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as “essentially Christmas or birthday present boxes for gift-giving.”

“Ultimately, with fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, younger audiences who are indifferent to physical media, and a push for sustainability—all factors point in one direction for the future of physical media,” Dring added.

For more about the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser.

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