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 revealed that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game, but rather a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a key to download the game. This means that there is no game data on the card itself; instead, you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. Each Game-Key Card package is clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they're buying.
Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of storage on the Switch 2, comes on a full 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."
During an interview at the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media and 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 explained the purpose behind Game-Key Cards, saying, "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 that this is the maximum capacity for Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. In contrast, Nintendo keeps 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 third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games announced so far utilize Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that this could put significant strain on the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June as fans rush to download their games. Ahmad added, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB), explaining the reasoning 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 further noted, "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 regarding the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
