Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan Opt for Game-Key Cards

Recent information confirms that nearly all third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 game releases announced so far in Japan are Game-Key Cards, with a similar trend appearing in Western markets.

As reported by Gematsu, the launch of Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan shows all announced third-party physical titles—except for CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 and non-Switch 2 Edition versions—are distributed on Game-Key Cards, requiring an internet connection to download the full game.

Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also game-key cards in Japan. And retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

What about Western markets? Here, Sega's Switch 2 games also use Game-Key Cards. Walmart’s product page for Sonic X Shadow Generations, for instance, confirms this format.

In fact, we’ve identified only four third-party physical Switch 2 games that are not Game-Key Cards: the previously mentioned 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.

When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards won’t contain the actual game data, but instead hold a download key. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition titles include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards containing only a download code for your selected game. This means the card you insert into your console holds no game data, so a download is required after insertion. Every Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the lower front of the packaging, giving buyers an immediate heads-up about the product they are purchasing.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer. Others, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, is available on cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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As highlighted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this heavy reliance on Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop servers around the Switch 2’s June launch as consumers rush to download their games.

All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code.

Mario Kart World is 24GB.

Most games come on a game key card and require a download.

The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day.

I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

“Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB),” Ahmad added, explaining publisher reasoning.

“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 the Game-Key Cards as “basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up.”

“Ultimately, with fewer game 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,” Dring added.

Switch 2 pre-orders began yesterday, April 24, and quickly sold out. Now, Nintendo fans are posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to overwhelm and counteract scalper listings.