Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has certainly stirred up a lively debate. When the company unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it confirmed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards won't include the actual game but will instead contain a key for a digital download. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and the upgrade on the cartridge itself.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that hold a key for downloading your selected game. There's no game data on the card itself, so you'll need an internet connection to download the game once you insert the card. The packaging for Game-Key Cards clearly indicates this on the lower front section of the box, ensuring you know exactly what you're buying.
Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster are among those featuring the game-key card disclaimer. On the other hand, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which takes up 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is distributed on a cartridge.
The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been vocal, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment, saying, "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 about the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media and the role of Game-Key Cards. Bowser responded, "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 release larger games on the Switch 2. He stated, "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. 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 available Switch 2 cartridge size of 64 GB for Cyberpunk 2077, confirming this as the maximum capacity. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes smaller.
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
The majority of 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 could lead to significant pressure on the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June as fans rush to download their games. Ahmad explained, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB). 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 about the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
