It has emerged that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far in Japan are Game-Key Cards, and a similar trend is observed in the West.
As reported by Gematsu, pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan revealed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, which are not labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are shipped on Game-Key Cards. These cards require an internet connection to download the full game.
Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also game-key cards in Japan. And retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ
— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025
In the West, the situation is similar. Sega's Switch 2 games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are confirmed to be Game-Key Cards, as noted in Walmart listings.
We've identified only four third-party physical Switch 2 games that aren't Game-Key Cards: the aforementioned Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2, and No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition.
When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, they confirmed that several new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead a key for a game download. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.
Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a key to download the chosen game. There's no actual game data on the card inserted into the Switch 2, necessitating a download upon insertion. Each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, providing consumers with immediate clarity on their purchase.
Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not. The hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which is 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, comes fully on the cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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As Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, pointed out, the emphasis on Game-Key Cards may strain the eShop servers around the Switch 2’s launch in June as fans rush to download their games.
All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code.
Mario Kart World is 24GB.
Most games come on a game key card and require a download.
The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day.
I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5.
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025
Ahmad further explained that "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," which justifies the use of Game-Key Cards by 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.
Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 and sold out rapidly. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to counteract scalper listings.
