Nintendo has announced that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce a new type of physical media: game-key cards. These cards, rather than containing the full game data, will instead provide a key for downloading the game. This shift in approach was detailed in a customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, fans can continue to purchase physical Switch games, but with a few notable changes.
The game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of their packaging, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are buying. This move is designed to accommodate larger games that might benefit from a download strategy, though not all games will follow this format. For instance, early box art for games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster include the game-key card disclaimer, whereas titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.
Physical gaming enthusiasts have expressed concerns about the potential shift away from traditional game cartridges, fearing that game-key cards might eventually become the norm. However, evidence suggests that this will not be the case across all titles. For example, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card at the Switch 2's launch.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the advanced technology behind their new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch. This suggests that not all future Switch 2 games will rely on game-key cards, as Nintendo emphasizes the benefits of their upgraded physical media.
While it remains unclear how prevalent game-key cards will be, more details are expected as the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches. For a comprehensive look at everything unveiled during today's Direct, click here. To explore the new technology featured in the Nintendo Switch 2, click here.
