Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a lively debate within the gaming community. When the Switch 2 was unveiled last month, Nintendo revealed that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but rather a key for downloading it. They later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that serve as keys to download the chosen game. These cards do not hold any game data, requiring a download upon insertion into the Switch 2. To avoid confusion, each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the front, providing a heads-up to consumers about the nature of their purchase.
Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster carry this game-key card disclaimer. In contrast, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The hefty Cyberpunk 2077, with a size of 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a cartridge.
The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been robust, 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's Doug Bowser about the future of physical media. Bowser affirmed, "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 bring larger games to 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 confirmed that they used the highest capacity Switch 2 cart (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, noting that 64 GB is the maximum size for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes 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 focus on Game-Key Cards could put significant pressure 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 behind publishers' preference for Game-Key Cards. "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 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 a more in-depth look at Doug Bowser's views, check out IGN’s full interview on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
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