Nintendo has unveiled that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game cards may not always contain the full game data. Instead, some will serve as keys for digital downloads. This was outlined in a recent customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct announcement. When the Switch 2 hits the market in June, consumers will still be able to buy physical Switch games, but it's important to be aware of some changes.
The post specifically addresses game-key cards, which are physical cards that only include a download key for the game. This means that you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. Each game-key card will be clearly marked on the front of the packaging, providing clear visibility of what you're purchasing.
The introduction of game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked discussion among fans who value the ease of plug-and-play gaming without the need for downloads or internet connectivity. There's a concern that these cards could eventually replace traditional game cartridges entirely, though current evidence suggests otherwise.
Observations from social media indicate that while some upcoming Switch 2 titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will use game-key cards, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not. It seems that game-key cards will be used primarily for larger games that could benefit from this approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, 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 improved technology of its new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than the original Switch's cartridges. This suggests that not all Switch 2 games will use game-key cards, as Nintendo wouldn't emphasize these technological advancements if all games were merely key containers. Nintendo has previously used a similar approach with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.
As the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches on June 5, 2025, it remains to be seen how many games will utilize game-key cards. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the recent Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology featured in the Switch 2, click here.
