Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a robust debate among gamers and industry experts alike. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it revealed that some new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead a key for downloading the game. However, Nintendo clarified that Switch 2 Edition games do include both the game and any necessary upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that serve as a key to download the chosen game. These cards do not hold any game data; instead, you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. Each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the front lower portion, ensuring consumers know exactly what they're purchasing.
Notable titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster utilize this game-key card approach, whereas games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
The reaction to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been varied, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment: "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."
During an interview at the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media. Bowser stated, “In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business. And we value our relationships in particular with our retailers, and want to make sure we have products available for them to sell to their consumers.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Bowser further elaborated on the purpose of Game-Key Cards, indicating that they allow third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2. “When you look at Game-Key Cards, for us, our goal with Nintendo Switch 2 – similar to what we were able to accomplish on Nintendo Switch – is to have the broadest and deepest library of content we possibly can,” he said. “And that includes our publishing partners. And Game-Key Cards are a way that our publishing partners are able to bring more content onto the platform, deeper and larger, more immersive content on the platform.”
CD Projekt confirmed that they used the highest capacity Switch 2 cartridge, 64 GB, for Cyberpunk 2077, indicating that this is the maximum size available for Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes relatively small.
Nintendo Switch 2 game storage sizes:
Mario Kart World: 23.4 GB
Donkey Kong Bananza: 10 GB
Nintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GB
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GB
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB
Almost all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games announced so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that this emphasis on Game-Key Cards could significantly strain the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June as fans scramble to download their games. “Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB),” Ahmad explained, shedding light on publishers' motivations. “It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales.”
Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as “basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up.” He added, “Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media.”
For more insights, check out IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser discussing the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
