"Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards to Feature Download Keys"

Nintendo has announced an innovative approach for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, revealing that some of the new game cards will not contain the full game but instead will include a key for downloading the game. This change was detailed in a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, gamers can continue to purchase physical Switch games, but it's important to be aware of a few new details.

The focus of the customer support post is on game-key cards. These are physical cards that, upon insertion into the Switch 2, will prompt a download of the game rather than containing the game data itself. These cards will be clearly marked on the front lower portion of their packaging, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they are buying.

The introduction of game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked discussions among fans of physical gaming, who value the ease of plug-and-play experiences without the need for internet downloads. There's a concern that these cards might eventually replace traditional game cartridges, but current indications suggest otherwise.

Observers on social media have noted that while some Switch 2 game covers, such as those for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, feature the game-key card disclaimer, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. This suggests that the use of game-key cards may be limited to larger games that benefit from the download method, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will include a 64 GB game card upon the Switch 2's launch.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo emphasized the advanced technology of the new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than the original Switch's cartridges. This focus on improved hardware performance indicates that not all cartridges will be simple key holders. Nintendo has previously experimented with game cards requiring additional downloads, as seen with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.

While the extent to which game-key cards will be used in the Switch 2's library remains unclear, more details are expected to emerge as the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches. For a comprehensive overview of today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology features of the Switch 2, click here.