"Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Boost Third-Party Content Depth and Immersion"

Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has stirred a passionate debate among gamers and industry professionals. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it revealed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards would not include the actual game data but instead contain a key for downloading the game. This approach was later clarified, noting that Switch 2 Edition games would indeed have both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are essentially physical cards that include a download key rather than the game itself. Upon inserting the card into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game. These cards are clearly labeled on the front of the box, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they're buying. For instance, games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this disclaimer, whereas Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of storage on the Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.

The response to Game-Key Cards has been mixed. Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressed 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 about the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media. Bowser emphasized the importance of physical games in the immediate future, saying, "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 explained the rationale behind Game-Key Cards, highlighting their role in expanding the Switch 2's game library. "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 opted for the maximum 64 GB cartridge size for Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2, confirming this as the largest available capacity for Switch 2 cartridges. Meanwhile, Nintendo keeps its first-party game sizes relatively small:

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 third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far utilize Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, noted 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. "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," Ahmad explained, highlighting the cost benefits 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." 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 on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.