Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fiery debate within the gaming community. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, they revealed that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead feature a key for downloading the game. This move was later clarified to indicate that Switch 2 Edition games would still include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are essentially physical cards that only contain a download key for the game. This means that no actual game data is stored on the card itself; you'll need to download the game once the card is inserted into your console. The packaging of each Game-Key Card is clearly labeled on the front, providing immediate transparency about what you're buying.
For instance, games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer. On the other hand, titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this method. The expansive Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is provided on a traditional cartridge.
The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been notably vocal, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment: "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 spoke with Nintendo of America President 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, stating that they allow third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2. "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 using the highest capacity Switch 2 cartridge for Cyberpunk 2077, which is 64 GB, noting that this is the maximum size for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo keeps 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
Nearly 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 trend could strain the eShop during 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, shedding light on why publishers might prefer this method. "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.
