Switch 2 Key Cards to Boost Third-Party Games

Nintendo's new Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 have certainly ignited a passionate debate. Last month's Switch 2 reveal confirmed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards won't contain an actual game, but rather a code to download one. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical items that only provide a download key for your selected game. This means the card you insert into your console holds no game data, requiring a download after insertion. Each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the front lower section, so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster display this game-key card notice. However, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The massive Cyberpunk 2077, a 64 GB title on the Switch 2, is distributed on a physical cart.

The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been vocal, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing his concern: "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope that a company with such a storied history would take game preservation more seriously."

During an interview about the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, if physical media remains a core part of their business or if Game-Key Cards represent the future.

“In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business,” Bowser responded. “We value our relationships with retailers and want to ensure they have products to sell to their customers.”

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Bowser further explained the rationale behind Game-Key Cards, indicating they help third-party publishers deliver larger games to the Switch 2.

“With Game-Key Cards, our goal for the Nintendo Switch 2—similar to what we achieved with the original Switch—is to offer the most extensive and diverse content library possible,” said Bowser.

“This includes our publishing partners. Game-Key Cards are a method for these partners to bring more expansive, immersive, and larger-scale content to the platform.”

CD Projekt confirmed it used the highest capacity 64 GB Switch 2 cart for Cyberpunk 2077, which is the maximum size available. However, Nintendo's own first-party titles maintain relatively small file sizes.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes:

: 23.4 GBDonkey Kong Bananza: 10 GBNintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GBSuper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GBKirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB

Nearly all third-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical games announced so far are Game-Key Cards. As noted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this reliance on Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop during the Switch 2's June launch as players rush to download their games.

“Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, with costs rising with each gigabyte,” Ahmad added, explaining the publisher's perspective.

“It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games and lower capacity cards offer higher profit margins for publishers. Digital sales already comprise the majority of the market.”

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described the Game-Key Cards as "basically boxes for birthday or Christmas presents."

“Ultimately, with fewer game retailers, increasing production costs, younger audiences' indifference, and a push for sustainability, all signs point in one direction for physical media,” Dring added.

For more details on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2, check out IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser.

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