Recent developments have shed light on the distribution method for physical third-party games for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, particularly in Japan and the West. It appears that most third-party titles, except for a select few, will be released as Game-Key Cards rather than traditional game cartridges.
In Japan, pre-orders for the Switch 2 have revealed that nearly all physical third-party games, such as Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date, are being sold as Game-Key Cards. These cards contain a download key rather than the actual game data, necessitating an internet connection to download the full game. The only exception noted so far is Cyberpunk 2077, which will come on a physical cartridge.
Similarly, in the West, Sega's titles like Sonic X Shadow Generations are also listed as Game-Key Cards. Retail descriptions from major retailers such as Walmart confirm this trend. The exceptions in the West include Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2, and No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition, which are confirmed to be traditional cartridges.
Nintendo has clarified that while some Switch 2 game cards will be traditional cartridges containing both the game and any necessary upgrades, others will be Game-Key Cards that require an internet connection for a full game download. These Game-Key Cards are clearly labeled on the front of the packaging, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.
Notable titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster are confirmed to use Game-Key Cards, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Cyberpunk 2077, with its substantial 64 GB size, will be available on a physical cartridge.
The shift towards Game-Key Cards is seen as a strategic move by publishers to manage costs, as game cards are more expensive to produce than discs, and the expense increases with the size of the game. Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners pointed out that this could lead to significant pressure on the eShop servers at the Switch 2's launch, scheduled for June 5, as fans rush to download their games.
Christopher Dring from The Game Business likened Game-Key Cards to "Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up," suggesting that the trend aligns with broader industry shifts towards digital distribution, driven by factors such as fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, changing consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns.
Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 and sold out rapidly, prompting some fans to post fake auctions on eBay to counteract scalpers.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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