Nintendo has announced a significant change in the way physical game cartridges will work for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. In a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning, the company revealed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game data but will instead include a key for downloading the game. This means that when you purchase these game-key cards, you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your console.
Nintendo has assured customers that game-key card packaging will be clearly labeled on the front of the box, ensuring transparency about what you're buying. This change is set to take effect with the launch of the Switch 2 in June 2025.
This news has stirred a debate among fans of physical gaming, who appreciate the convenience of plug-and-play without the need for downloads. There's concern that these game-key cards might eventually replace traditional game cartridges, but current evidence suggests otherwise. For instance, while some upcoming titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will use game-key cards, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not.
It seems that Nintendo intends to use game-key cards primarily for larger games that might benefit from the download approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day, indicating that traditional cartridges will still have a place.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the advanced technology of their new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than those of the original Switch. This suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers, reinforcing the company's commitment to physical media. Past examples, such as LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, also required additional downloads, showing Nintendo's flexibility with game card formats.
As we approach the launch date of June 5, 2025, more details will emerge about which Switch 2 games will use game-key cards. For comprehensive coverage of today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and a closer look at the new technology, click here and here.
