Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has stirred a significant reaction among gamers and industry professionals alike. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it was confirmed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards would not include the actual game, but rather a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would contain both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are essentially physical cards that contain a key for downloading the game you want. This means that the card you insert into your Switch 2 does not carry any game data; you will need to download the game after inserting the card. To ensure clarity for consumers, each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the lower front portion of the box, providing immediate visibility on what you are purchasing.
Certain games, such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, include this game-key card disclaimer. Conversely, games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. For instance, the hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is delivered on a traditional cartridge.
The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been vocal, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment, stating, "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."
In an interview discussing the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser about the future of physical media and the role of Game-Key Cards.
“In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business,” Bowser replied. “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 are designed to help third-party publishers deliver 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,” Bowser explained.
“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 opted for the largest Switch 2 cartridge size available, 64 GB, for Cyberpunk 2077, confirming that this is the maximum capacity for Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has kept the sizes of its first-party games 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 revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that this emphasis on Game-Key Cards could lead to significant pressure on 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 added, shedding light on the cost considerations for publishers.
“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.”
“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,” Dring added.
For more insights, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser discussing the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
