Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fiery debate among gamers and industry experts. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it revealed that certain Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game data, but rather a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that games labeled as "Switch 2 Edition" would include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 are physical cards that serve as keys to unlock digital downloads of games. Once inserted into your Switch 2, these cards prompt a download of the game, rather than containing the game data themselves. To ensure transparency, these cards are clearly labeled on the front lower section of their packaging, providing consumers with immediate clarity on what they are purchasing.
Notable titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer, whereas others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The expansive Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB of space on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available 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."
In an interview at the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's Doug Bowser about the future of physical media. Bowser emphasized that physical games would continue to be integral to Nintendo's business model, saying, "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, noting 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 Switch 2 cartridge for Cyberpunk 2077, confirming that this is the largest available size for Switch 2 games. Meanwhile, Nintendo keeps 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
Almost all third-party physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2 disclosed so far utilize Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that this could lead to significant pressure on the eShop at 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 noted, explaining the economic rationale 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 further insights, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser, covering the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
